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
Rugby league star Benji Marshall says he remains committed to playing for the Kiwis, rubbishing reports linking him with a move to Scotland.
Marshall has pledged his future with New Zealand adding he was hoping to be picked for the three Test-series against England in the UK at the end of the season.
“It’s bullshit. I have no interest to play for Scotland at all,” Marshall told Fairfax Media. “I’m fully committed to playing for New Zealand.
“I went to the last meeting of New Zealand squad members six weeks ago, everything between me and Stephen Kearney is fine and I am in line for the end-of-season tour.”
Marshall denied a UK-based website report saying he had met with Scotland coach Steve McCormack in Sydney in June after he had fallen out of favour with Kiwi coach Stephen Kearney following his short and unsuccessful stint playing rugby with the Blues.
“This stuff makes me look bad and I am pretty angry about it,” Marshall added. “I have had family calling me about it, but I have no intentions of playing for Scotland. I am not even eligible.”
The 30-year-old St George Illawarra halfback captained New Zealand to 2008 World Cup and 2010 Four Nations titles during his 27 Tests in black.
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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…