Jason Nightingale’s non-selection for New Zealand at the Rugby League World Cup is an odd decision considering his service to the Kiwis over a long period of time.
Nightingale defied age and his many critics in 2017 to score an impressive 16 tries for the Dragons, bringing up the great achievement of a career century of tries in the process.
His record in the New Zealand jumper is equally impressive, with 15 tries in 31 appearances for a team that often underperforms and he has been a loyal servant since way back in 2008.
Instead, they went with Jordan Rapana – fair enough, he was great all season for the Raiders – and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who had an up-and-down year.
‘DWZ’ played 24 games, scored nine tries, made 12 line-breaks, missed 32 tackles and made a whopping 30 errors, better than one a game. Not terrible, but certainly not stats warranting a starting spot.
Nightingale, on the other hand, played 24 games, scored 16 tries, made 18 line breaks, missed 30 tackles and made only 19 errors. Surely these stats, combined with his reliability and experience on the international stage, should have ensured him a spot in David Kidwell’s side.
DWZ is the incumbent winger for New Zealand, but they were smashed 30-12 in the Anzac Test back in May, and considering his season, you wouldn’t think he’d done enough to keep his place in the team ahead of a wily veteran.
Nightingale deserves a chance later in the tournament, as he is a joy to watch, with his awkward, gangly running style, and high work rate.
The pressure is now on Watene-Zelezniak to produce a big game against Samoa in Auckland on Saturday night.
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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…
