Filling The Gap

In the wake of the heartbreaking Kiwis’ 2006 Tri-Nations loss to Australia, three veterans of New Zealand rugby league announced their international retirements. Nigel Vagana, Stacey Jones, and captain Ruben Wiki ended their international careers with a combined total of 139 tests between them. Wiki’s personal haul of 55 caps is a world record, and Vagana holds the New Zealand record for most international tries with a total of 19.

But it is Jones, affectionately known as The Little General, who will be missed the most. Many fans and media are concerned with the veritable abyss of talent and experience left by Jones’ departure, but this is not the first time New Zealand rugby league has experienced a sudden loss of a seasoned player in the halves.

The last time was in 1995 when New Zealand had just completed a somewhat unconvincing victory over Papua New Guinea with a 22-6 score line that flattered the Kiwis. This second and final group match at what is known as the Centenary Cup – the World Cup that was held exactly one hundred years after rugby league itself was born – allowed the team to progress through to the semi-finals against tournament favourites Australia.

The team was being guided around by legendary halfback Gary Freeman, who at the time held the record for the most international caps by a New Zealander, with an impressive 46 matches under his belt. He also held the world record for the most consecutive test appearances with a tally of 37, and the most caps as Kiwis captain, with 19.

Despite this, however, New Zealand had struggled in their two group matches. Their weak showing against Papua New Guinea had followed a 25-24 victory over Tonga that had only been decided by a Matthew Ridge drop goal in the dying moments. Even so, it came as a shock to many when coach Frank Endacott dumped Freeman from the side and promoted NRL rookie Stacey Jones to commandeer the side against the reigning world champions.

The teenager performed admirably, pulling New Zealand back from 20-6 down to equalise with only two minutes remaining in the match. Missed opportunities were costly, however, and Australia went on to win 30-20 after twenty minutes of extra time. Even so, an international star had been born.

And now, as Jones hangs up his black and white boots for not the first but probably the last time, let us examine his potential heirs…

Nathan Fien – Despite the controversy of ‘Grannygate’, Fien is likely to be back in the black and white once he qualifies through residency. However, he has played for both club and country in the hooking role, so becoming the Kiwis halfback is highly unlikely.

Lance Hohaia – Unable to cement a starting position for the Warriors, and being shifted between hooker and centre when he does eventually take the field, Hohaia remains a dark horse to take Jones’ place.

Thomas Leuluai – Despite a solid international debut in 2003, Leuluai has escaped the gaze of the selectors since his sixth appearance in the black and white. His skills continue to improve, but his Northern hemisphere location counts against him.

Benji Marshall – Somewhat injury prone and earmarked for the five-eighth position, moving Marshall to halfback would only create other gaps elsewhere.

Robbie Paul – At thirty years of age and rapidly approaching the end of his career, Paul is unlikely to still be playing by the time of the 2008 World Cup, where an established international will be needed.

Marcus Perenara – A somewhat forgotten player, Perenara performed brilliantly in the 2006 Premier League final, proving the difference as Parramatta defeated Newtown 20-19 in extra time. However, a regular first grade position will be needed before he is ready for international football.

Ben Roberts – A Bulldogs rookie with only six first grade matches under his belt, Roberts may prove to be in contention after a solid NRL season in 2007. A noted goal kicker, Roberts may also be able to kill two Kiwi birds with the one stone.

Jeremy Smith – Another rookie and Gary Freeman’s pick for the vacant halfback position, Smith’s move to the Rabbitohs may prove to be a masterstroke as he plays alongside experienced Kiwis in Roy Asotasi and David Kidwell.

Motu Tony – A versatile player who can play anywhere in the backline, Tony’s apparent inability to shake off the ‘utility’ tag and being based in England may count against him.

Sources:
http://groups.msn.com/PNGKumuls/
www.nzherald.co.nz
www.playtheball.com
www.rleague.com
www.sportal.com.au/league.asp?i=news&id=8270
www.wikipedia.org
www2.hunterlink.net.au/~maajjs/res/wcup1995.htm

***Published in Issue One of Super League Magazine, 2007***