International New Zealand Kiwis

[SBW1]

I think it is going to be a great series at the end of the year. Will be really good for building depth in the Kiwis.

 

[Tohu’s_Knees]

But they were penalised, and Isaako missed what should've been a sitter. Was I at a different game?!

For what it's worth I think the Kiwis urgently need to get some stability in the spine, and preferably find a 6 to compliment Hughes who can kick a goal.

Now that Parramatta are looking towards the future, barring injury. I doubt Brown is going to get any more game time.
Be interesting to see if Stacey even picks Brown.

I’ve also got a funny feeling with his shoulder injury, Hughes might sit out the series. Hope I’m wrong.
Personally I don’t mind a Brown and Foran halves combo.

6. Brown/CHT/Nikorima
7. Foran/TMM/Crossland

Goal kicking could force Pompey into that left centre spot.
I’m bloody looking forward to this series though.

 

[SBW1]

There are going to be a few names coming into the Kiwis possibly newbies from last year and some debutants. Pretty sure Maclean will get a run. Willison from the Broncs looks like a handy prop. Hard to say what happens with Hughes, he doesn't recquire surgery and will be ready for the finals. Can see this being Foran's swansong at test level.

 

[Brightman]

I think it is going to be a great series at the end of the year. Will be really good for building depth in the Kiwis.

Be even better if the kangaroos are without Haas and Hammer.
What goes around comes around oz..

 

[WHB]

Bro, Tonga beat the brakes off of our forward pack lol. Addin & Taumalolo rag dolled us.

Was gutted Stacey never saw that coming as they came out firing against The Kangaroos the previous game.

 

[SBW1]

Be even better if the kangaroos are without Haas and Hammer.
What goes around comes around oz..

You can probably add Tino and Ponga to that mix as well.

 

[tyrael]

Stuff

www.stuff.co.nz

Kiwis vs tonga test revealed.

 

[Shogun]

I think they are going to pick McLean and Mulitalo on the left despite IMO Kris deserving the LC spot

 

[SBW1]

Kangaroo defections to Samoa and possibly Ponga aligning to the Kiwis will be a promoter's dream. While this may not involve Aussie, it will still get plenty of interest. Still predicting the Kiwis to pick a few non aligned guys who could have played Origin in the future. Also expecting a few of our regulars to miss the tournament, due to club pressure. Will be an awesome series.

 

[Tohu’s_Knees]

I think they are going to pick McLean and Mulitalo on the left despite IMO Kris deserving the LC spot

I think Stacey will “fit” CNK there. If Kini is healthy and playing he needs to be fullback IMO for a bit more firepower.

Mcleans ceiling is clearly higher than Kris. Although Kris is playing exceptionally well. We have so many options now in a position we usually struggled in.

 

[Shogun]

Timoko, Pompey & Mariner before Hiku for mine. Tamale is Australian born, does he have NZ heritage?

according to zerotackle he does

 

[Tohu’s_Knees]

Hughes out for the season.

It’s Foran and Brown in the halves for me.

 

[WA Warrior]

Hughes out for the season.

It’s Foran and Brown in the halves for me.

Foran confirmed he will lace them up if called upon.

'Go after it like no other': Foran open to one more Kiwis campaign

As he prepares to run out for the last time with the Titans, Kieran Foran remains opens to the prospect of one more international campaign if the Kiwis come calling.

www.nrl.com

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

Foran confirmed he will lace them up if called upon.

'Go after it like no other': Foran open to one more Kiwis campaign

As he prepares to run out for the last time with the Titans, Kieran Foran remains opens to the prospect of one more international campaign if the Kiwis come calling.

www.nrl.com

Good because we are going to need him!

 

[Tohu’s_Knees]

I find it a little concerning that all of our spine players play in bottom 9 teams. Besides obviously Jahrome Hughes and technically CNK and CHT. And it doesn’t look to change in the foreseeable future. But at least there are options.

My pre-finals team. (Assuming they’re available)

1. Kini
2. Issako
3. McLean
4. Timoko
5. Mulitalo
6. Brown
7. Foran

8. JFH
9. JMK
10. Whyte
11. Sorensen
12. Nikora
13. Tapine

14. Smith or Crossland.
15. NAS
16. Clark
17. Papalii

Just keeping the Kiwis team thought alive.

I hope like hell Stacey doesn’t consider his day job and pick CNK and Niukore. (CNK just needs a rest)

 

[Cces]

If Kris isn't starting then I'd imagine he's in jersey #17 covering all back 5 positions & even edge backrow

 

[The Warrior Waka]

I find it a little concerning that all of our spine players play in bottom 9 teams. Besides obviously Jahrome Hughes and technically CNK and CHT. And it doesn’t look to change in the foreseeable future. But at least there are options.

My pre-finals team. (Assuming they’re available)

1. Kini
2. Issako
3. McLean
4. Timoko
5. Mulitalo
6. Brown
7. Foran

8. JFH
9. JMK
10. Whyte
11. Sorensen
12. Nikora
13. Tapine

14. Smith or Crossland.
15. NAS
16. Clark
17. Papalii

Just keeping the Kiwis team thought alive.

I hope like hell Stacey doesn’t consider his day job and pick CNK and Niukore. (CNK just needs a rest)

Like the team bro. Would you have Foran over Nikorima ? Niko is in pretty good form at the moment.

 

[Tohu’s_Knees]

If Kris isn't starting then I'd imagine he's in jersey #17 covering all back 5 positions & even edge backrow

I was leaning more towards Crossland in that regard. Move him to 6 and move Brown to Centre, McLean to wing kinda thing.

But against the 2 Polynesian teams. I’d probably lean heavily into a forwards dominated side. And a bench of
14. Smith
15. NAS
16. Clark
17. Papalii
Can you imagine the energy Smith and Clark bring off the bench. And the sheer size of NAS for two 15-20 minute stints guarantees impact.

The only real concern I have is, can JFH go against those big Polynesian forwards in the opening exchanges. But I concede, he has earned the first opportunity. (And frankly, Stacey is just going to pick him anyway)

 

[The Warrior Waka]

If Kris isn't starting then I'd imagine he's in jersey #17 covering all back 5 positions & even edge backrow

Just a thought. Would you start Kris over Timoko ? As Timoko is a great attacking threat.....But flaky on defense. Kris is a great all rounder.

 

[Tohu’s_Knees]

Like the team bro. Would you have Foran over Nikorima ? Niko is in pretty good form at the moment.

I would tbh, Foran seems like the he can play the more organising 7 role to me.

I’d only pick Foran for Hughes (which has obviously happened with Hughes out for the season). Similar to how Johnson said he’d only play if Hughes went down last year.

If Brown went down and we needed a 6 (and Hughes was playing) Foran would probably be at the bottom of the list. I’d probably even pick Crossland over him.

Given last year’s results, I really want to win this pacific championship.