Brooker keeping the nerves at bay
The pair parted ways following the 2016 season but Ko, who replaced Leadbetter with Gary Gilchrist before teaming up with Ted Oh last year, has not come anywhere close to hitting those heights since.
Leadbetter said it was time Ko’s parents cut the umbilical cord.
‘‘I think her parents need to sort of let her go and do her thing. She’s 21-22 years of age now. She could control her own career. She should know what’s best for her,’’ he told Radio Sport.
‘‘She’s not a 12-year-old anymore. So they need to let her go, let her fly, let her leave the nest so to speak and find her own way. If she can do that, I mean, yeah, we could see Lydia back.’’ Black Fern Grace Brooker used her passport for the first time this week.
The 20-year-old had never stepped foot out of New Zealand, but has done so in style with the Black Ferns squad who have arrived in Perth for their first of two tests against the Wallaroos.
It has been a long time coming for the outside back – the flight, yes, but mainly the opportunity to debut for her dream team.
‘‘I’m just trying to comprehend everything. This is my first time out of New Zealand as well. Lots of firsts,’’ she said.
Brooker earned a contract in May, 2018, but hasn’t yet worn the black jersey.
The Canterbury outside back has plenty of competition and has had to work hard to get a call-up from coach Glenn Moore.
It came last week and, all going well, she will debut in front of a packed Optus Stadium ahead of the All Blacks versus Wallabies Bledisloe Cup test.
Her parents, Mel and Dave, are making the trip from Oxford in rural Canterbury for the baby of the family to make her on-field bow.
Brooker admits she is also ‘‘the baby of the Black Ferns’’ family too.
‘‘Twenty sisters can’t replace my real sister, but they are all pretty awesome.’’
It is probably no coincidence the the excited debutante is rooming with a team-mate many of the Black Ferns refer to as the mother of the team, first fiveeighth Krysten Cottrell.
‘‘No annoying habits, she has been really good actually, holding my hand and making sure I get everything done on time. She’s been really helping me out actually.
‘‘She’s kind of a mother figure for the whole team. When we need direction or a time keeper, Duffy [Cottrell] is on it.’’
Brooker has got just the right amount of nerves for the match and is confident her team can keep its unbeaten record against Australia.
But she is a little shy about doing her first public haka in front of thousands.
‘‘It’ll be pretty overwhelming, but I have just got to remember to keep my cool and soak it up at the same time.
‘‘I have had it [the haka] on Youtube and got the words out. I’ve been trying to do it in my room.
‘‘I’m just trying to comprehend everything. This is my first time out of New Zealand as well. Lots of firsts.’’ Black Fern Grace Brooker
‘‘I will definitely be right at the back hopefully where no-one will see me.’’
The Black Ferns are the holders of the Laurie O’reilly Trophy, and will only need to win just one of their two tests against the Wallaroos to retain it.
A loss against France in their recent trip to the United States shows the world champions are beatable and will likely have their guard up on Saturday.
‘‘Everyone will be working hard to keep the trophy, everyone is working super hard,’’ Brooker said.
‘‘We are focusing on our own aspects of the game, bringing the intensity and doing everything with 100 per cent passion and making smart decisions.
‘‘If I am going to walk out for my own debut I think I will just be focusing on my own role and help get the team over the line.
‘‘Getting a try would be pretty cool, but it’ll only be a result of the team as a whole.’’