There is a rugby league Test match on tonight and honestly, I think my beloved Kiwis can win.
This game means more to my countrymen than many of you Roarers know, and I’m confident we will beat the Aussies and throw a spanner in your World Cup works.
I have heard in my travels this week that this is a ‘ho-hum’ game and nowhere near the importance of a NRL round.
But I can report, first hand, that any chance to do battle with Australia in any sport is amazingly high on any New Zealander’s list, and this game will see the Kiwis produce something very special.
Steve Kearney hasn’t had long to work with the current team but my spies tell me the boys have gelled from day one and are poised to inflict another upset on the Kangaroos, even though we will be missing big guns such as Benji Marshall, Jeremy Smith and Sonny Bill Williams.
Halfback Shaun Johnson is definitely the key.
I have been critical of him in the past but in the last few weeks I have become a serious fan.
He has finally started running to the line and taking on the defence. Shaun has extraordinary skills – beautiful footwork, exceptional speed and a kicking game that is improving with every outing.
I think he is very much a confidence player and he is really confident after some terrific games in recent weeks. Watch him closely Kangaroos, the boy can really play!
Readers of the Wiz column on The Roar should know by now that I have been singing the praises of Melbourne Storm whiz kid Tohu Harris, and he has been called into the New Zealand team for tonight’s biggie in Canberra.
I say Harris, who is only 21, has been one of the sensations of the NRL in 2013. He could be anything in our game. Take a tip from the Wiz and watch him tonight: he is five-star material.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy gave Harris an opportunity in the World Club Challenge against Leeds last February. He has gone on to play in every game this season for the defending champions and current league leaders, Melbourne.
The young bloke comes in for Jeremy Smith, who unfortunately misses this Canberra game due to suspension.
A product of Hastings, the powerful Tohu joins Storm team-mates Jesse Bromwich and Kevin Proctor in the Kiwis squad. He has a familiar face around him in Roger Tuivasa-Sheck from the Roosters. Both were in the junior Kiwis last year.
I am not sure if Roger will get a start tonight but mark my words: after making his New Zealand debut, he will become a must-pick player.
I really like what I am hearing about New Zealand’s build-up to this ANZAC Test. If you are having a little flutter, the Wizard is tipping the mighty Kiwis by four!
The other game this weekend, in my opinion, is a non-event.
City versus Country? I think it’s high time the league authorities got rid of this concept. It has run its race – just look at the number of withdrawals because of so-called ‘injuries’.
If it meant something, such as a chance of attracting attention from the NSW State of Origin selectors, I reckon all players would be on deck.
It is not an Origin trial. In my mind it is only a rugby league promotional game played at a country venue.
And can somebody tell the Wizard why the NSW v Queensland Under-20s State of Origin game is being played tomorrow? The scheduling of this important game beggars all belief.
Bearfax
Guest
Suggest you read my comments below Clipper. No one is suggesting PNG will win the Rugby League World Cuo, which I assume you are referring to at this stage of their development. But they are already pretty much in the class of Wales and France, and though this may not be saying much given the gap between the top 3 teams and the next tier, they are getting better and on their day could give the top three a run for their money. I've said it so often before. If Rugby League wants to achieve International recognition,it MUST play more games against the lesser teams more often. Those teams will probably be flogged now and then, but it helps them to know what they need to do to improve. With the right coaching, financial backing, competition etc I can see PNG seriously challenging for the RLWC within a few decades. They are already well ahead of Samoa, Tonga and Fiji.
clipper
Guest
But PNG have absolutely no chance to win the RWC,let alone beat any of countries Jaiden mentions so does nothing to disprove the post
Jaiden Florimo
Roar Rookie
I was chipping and chasing long before you were out of nappies is my guess Renegade.
Renegade
Guest
Kellett, Here's some advice....avoid any comments submitted by Jaiden. I don't think he actually watches rugby league.
Bearfax
Guest
Points taken Jaiden. But PNG is a very young rugby league playing country, having officially established the sport in 1949. That's after Parramatta and Manly joined the comp. They didnt join international comps until 1986-7 though they played England once in the 70s and lost by only 38-10. Despite recent problems in their game they have over 10.000 officially registered adult players in the game and many many thousands of registered junior players. They have forty official adult comps each having at least seven teams with a minimum of four grades They are ranked presently as sixth best League side internationally are are not far off being fourth. The official International ratings system has the following points per country; Australia: 1303 New Zealand: 916 England: 671 France: 267 Wales: 227 PNG: 220 Fiji: 119 Samoa: 93 Tonga: 62 (Left out some countries between Samoa and Tonga because of relevance) It is probable that PNG will be No 4 International Rugby League side by 2020. What holds PNG back is some political infighting, lack of good coaching, finances and most importantly enough competition against top sides. their last international was in 2010. They have played in the Queensland Cup, many of their players have played first grade Rugby League in this country, Adrian Lam being the most well known. What Rugby League needs is to stop being so insular with the vast majority of matches between Australia, New Zealand and England. If it wants to expand, it must promote teams outside of that triumvirate. The Tonga vs Samoa match being played and televised is an excellent innovation. And those teams are a tier down from PNG, a potential first tier country in Rugby League in a few decades. They must be encouraged and supported.
Jaiden Florimo
Roar Rookie
So they very fact you need to point out PNG has beaten some Prime Ministers XIII most likely means PNG has never beaten Australia. You are getting excited about PNG beating NZ 27 years ago. Seriously, you havent got a great case going for you im afraid...
Bearfax
Guest
I wouldnt be putting Papua New Guinea down so quickly Jaden. In their very short International history since admission to international matches in the mid 80s they have in fact beaten an Australian Prime Ministers XIII in 2005 by 24-16. They beat New Zealand in 1986 24-22, Great Britain in 1990 20-18. They have beaten France several times and are rated 6th best Rugby League nation in 2012 after Australia, New Zealand, England, France and Wales. They are classed well ahead of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. Their last match against Tonga in 2009 ended in them winning 44-14. Though they have received some floggings from the major League nations, generally they have become increasingly competitive. Papua New Guinea is an untapped gold mine for Rugby League. Given the finances and good coaching they could easily become one of the top four Rugby League nations and in time, perhaps a few decades, could potentially win a World Cup.. Rugby League is the national game of that country and that country is the only one that has rugby league as its premier sport I'm a very strong supporter in fact in having a Papua New Guinea side in the NRL. They have apparently the sponsors and the facilities to be competitive.
Jaiden Florimo
Roar Rookie
I said serious nations Dean. PNG have a go and love the sport but when was the last time they beat Australia in a test match?
Cameron
Roar Guru
It was poor international rugby league tonight in the second half. I really wasn't pleased with the standard. But that's what you get with a one off test.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
You'd better tell that to the people of PNG. Last time that I checked their populace was close to double that of NZ.
Jaiden Florimo
Roar Rookie
Wizz doesnt know what he is talking about. He will just blow it off as 'over patriotism' to cover the fact he doesnt know what he is talking about.
Jaiden Florimo
Roar Rookie
You've missed nothing Kellett. The sooner international rogby league goes away the better. Its played amongst 3 serious nation, in which rugby league is the main sport in none of them.
Jaiden Florimo
Roar Rookie
What were you saying Tim? You will find Freeman is full of hot air. Also reading Freeman's long winded inaccurate articles once is enough for me thanks.
Cameron
Roar Guru
Unfortunately won't be right this time. The betting agencies most often get it correct.
Bearfax
Guest
Yoiks Oiks. Whoever was behind that production should be used to promote the game. Some brilliant examples of what makes the game so special. Thanks Oikee.
Renegade
Guest
Some of your best work Oiks!
Tim Prentice
Expert
Go back through his articles Jaiden. I have. The Wiz has been right on the button - so many times.
Bazzio
Roar Guru
Not biassed, are we, G Wiz??
Tim Prentice
Expert
Thanks heaps, Oikee. This video clip is truly exceptional. I have watched it three times already and sent it all over the planet. Greatest game of all??? Yep.
Football_illiterate
Guest
classic clip oikee!! its why we love it!!