Kiwis jumpers up for grabs: Nikau
There will be more than just a shot at a grand final berth on the line for some players on Friday night, when the Storm take on the Sharks in the first of two NRL semifinals.
Kiwis legend Tawera Nikau said for the handful of New Zealanders who will line up for their respective teams, it could be their last chance to make an impression on new Kiwis coach Michael Maguire before next month’s clash against Australia.
But he maintained the semifinal result will be front of the mind ‘‘first and foremost’’.
Nikau is perhaps the most qualified pundit to give his thoughts on Friday’s NRL semifinal, having played for both the Cronulla Sharks and Melbourne Storm.
He also made 19 appearances for the Kiwis between 1989-1997 and will be watching the New Zealand born players with particular interest.
The Storm could have as many as five players picked for higher honours in October, with front-row colossus Nelson Asofasolomona and brothers Jesse and Kenneath Bromwich among those in contention.
While for the Sharks, a somewhat overdue test berth could be on the cards for former Warriors junior Sosaia Feki, who has impressed since coming back from injury and now has more than 120 games worth of NRL experience, Nikau said.
‘‘When I look at Melbourne I think the likes of the Bromwich boys and big Nelson are probably among the first picked for the Kiwis. And I think young Brandon Smith has really put his hand up also,’’ he said.
‘‘I think you will see massive games from those guys and for Cronulla, Sosia [Feki] was part of that squad a while a go but didn’t get a crack, however I think his form of late certainly warrants consideration.’’
While all players strive for test jerseys, Melbourne’s original enforcer said it won’t be on the minds of the players when they take the field for their clubs.
‘‘You start each year with your mind fixed on that premiership, and test selection is sought of a by-product of that,’’ he said.
‘‘I think the deeper your side goes the better chance you have of being selected so that will be the player’s focus. Get the win.’’
As Melbourne look to head back to the NRL grand final for the third time in as many years, Nikau said the Storm’s ‘‘big game experience’’ could ultimately prove the difference.
‘‘Have a look at what we have, the top four teams contesting the semifinals.
‘‘And the Storm are shooting for their third straight grand final. The thing with Melbourne is there is a winning culture embedded there, and the players and staff all collectively buy into that.
‘‘That said, the Sharks don’t fear them. Some teams can be beaten by Melbourne before kick-off, mentally, but the Sharks are tough and they will hang in the contest for the full 80 minutes – and they will need to against this side.’’
Torn when asked to give a final score prediction for the door-die clash, Nikau sided with the defending premiers, believing they had too much class on the edges for the men from the shire.
‘‘I think it will be tight, much like what this finals campaign has given us already. But I think the likes of Suliasi Vunivalu and Josh Addo-carr, together with Billy [Slater] out the back, will be too good on the day.
‘‘26-12, Melbourne.’’