Madge's big choice, Sua's difficult second album and Tito's new job: The big questions for Pacific Champs Round 2
What to look out for in week two of the Pacific Championships
After scoring a points victory over a New Zealand Test prop rival for the second time this NRL season, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has declared he wants his Kiwi jersey back.
Waerea-Hargreaves was one of the Roosters pack’s best as they rolled the Warriors in their 24-0 win at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
While Waerea-Hargreaves played down his personal battle with Warriors and New Zealand prop Ben Matulino, his contribution was key in the emphatic win over a top-four rival.
Waerea-Hargreaves has pledged to win back his spot in the national team after being dumped for last year’s trans-Tasman Test and add to his 16 appearances for his nation.
He was dropped because of his failure to convert his club form at international level and his road back has been made harder after the Kiwis won their last three Tests against Australia without him.
But after Waerea-Hargreaves outshone a Test rival for the second time this season, Kiwi coach Stephen Kearney must be sitting up and taking notice.
He was a standout in the Roosters’ 24-2 trouncing of Melbourne in round 12 when he out-played Jesse Bromwich.
Having not played in a black jumper since New Zealand’s loss in the 2013 World Cup final, he is now eyeing a return to the fold for their end-of-season tour of England.
Asked if he felt like he was getting back to Test form, he said: “I’d like to hope so.
“One of my goals for the season is to get back in that black jersey at the end of the year.
“For me, I grow confidence off team performances and getting out there and getting wins on the scoreboard.
“Obviously confidence is high after a couple of wins, but we’ve got to stay grounded and stay focused.”
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What to look out for in week two of the Pacific Championships
Brad Fittler claims widening State of Origin eligibility rules to include Australian-raised New Zealand and England players will benefit both the domestic and international game.
If you followed the recent Rugby League World Cup, you’ll probably have noted that the tournament has both passionate supporters and vocal detractors.
Since the Super League War, Rugby League has failed to cement an international calendar. The historical tours disappeared – in part due to the war but also since the English game transferred to a summer season.
With many spruiking that the pinnacle of our beloved sport is State of Origin, surely it’s time to make yet another amendment to the playbook and finally let New Zealand and English players in on the fun?
With the World Cup final just days away, I thought I’d reflect on some of the key moments and memories of the past ten…