No development squad here: coach
AUCKLAND: Seven players are set to debut for the Kiwis, but new coach Michael Maguire insists he is not taking away a development side for next Sunday’s test against England in Denver.
Several Warriors stars are missing from the 19man squad, with Roger TuivasaSheck, Shaun Johnson and Tohu Harris all unavailable for the match at Mile High Stadium, while unofficial Kiwis leader Adam Blair is unavailable after being banned by the NRL for two weeks for a dangerous tackle on Cowboys’ wing Kyle Feldt in Friday night’s 2316 win in Townsville.
Before his first test as head coach, Maguire has called up wings Ken Maumalo and Jamayne Isaako, centre Esan Marsters, front rowers Leeson Ah Mau and Herman Ese’ese, hooker Slade Griffin and second rower Raymond FaitalaMariner to make their Kiwis debuts.
Maguire denied circumstances and injuries had left him with a development side and was confident the players chosen would do the Kiwis jersey proud.
‘‘No way in the world that I would ever imagine if you’re playing for your country that it’s a development side,’’ Maguire said.
‘‘I’ve got a very good group of players. They’ve all got first grade experience and they’re all playing really good football, so they’re all well deserved to have their opportunity.
‘‘I’m really looking forward to taking this team away and being able to create a standard of our own.
‘‘Sometimes when you bring a lot of young guys in that excitement and hunger around playing can really lift the jersey to new heights.’’
Warriors hooker Issac Luke has won a test recall after being overlooked for last year’s World Cup and will help fill the void in leadership, along with experienced front rowers Jared WaereaHargreaves and Martin Taupau, plus backline utility Peta Hiku.
‘‘I’ve got a number of boys there, but it’s great to be back working with Issac,’’ Maguire said.
‘‘He and I will discuss [the side’s leadership]. We’ve spoken a lot around the team and that will come out throughout the week.’’
Maguire was reluctant to reveal who had replaced Blair in the team, but made it clear he and the other players that were unavailable would come back into contention to play in the October test against Australia in Auckland and the end of year tour of England and France.
‘‘I’m not going to go into who came in, but unfortunately for Adam he was really looking forward to the opportunity to go away with the Kiwis, as he always does,’’ he said.
‘‘I’m really happy with the squad I’m taking and it’s unfortunate for Adam, but I know he’ll finish off a strong year and look forward to the opportunities at the end.’’
Maguire had no issues with the Warriors ruling Shaun Johnson and Gerard Beale unavailable, and was understanding of TuivasaSheck and Harris’ decisions to stay home and rest before the Warriors’ next game against Cronulla at Mt Smart Stadium on June 29.
‘‘With Shaun, it basically came down to a club decision from the understanding of where he’s come with his injuries.
‘‘With the other two boys, they’re more personal reasons which the players and myself shared and I’m comfortable with where we are at.’’
Luke was excited to be back in the Kiwis camp and reunited with his former South Sydney coach after rediscovering his best form throughout the first half of the Warriors NRL campaign.
‘‘I’m definitely humbled to be here,’’ Luke said.
‘‘I’ve worked a lot with Madge — I can’t call him Michael — and we’ve formed a pretty tight relationship over the years. But just to be a part of this camp again is good.’’
The Kiwis have assembled in Sydney before flying out for Denver this morning. — NZME