WateneZelezniak to captain Kiwis
AUCKLAND: Coach Michael Maguire has made the surprise choice of Dallin Watene-Zelezniak to captain New Zealand in Saturday’s test against Australia.
The 23yearold Penrith fullback has just eight tests to his name and his promotion comes amid a host of injury absences and retirements and ahead of several more experienced options.
Maguire had no doubt about WateneZeleniak’s ability to steer the Kiwis into a new era.
‘‘Dallin lives the values we’re looking for and embodies the new direction we’re heading in with the Kiwis,’’ Maguire said.
WateneZelezniak takes the captaincy duties from veteran forward Adam Blair, who led the Kiwis in last year’s failed World Cup campaign under former coach David Kidwell.
Blair has been selected on the bench to take on the Kangaroos at Mt Smart on Saturday, before the Kiwis’ fourgame tour of Great Britain over the next month.
Dally M Medallist Roger TuivasaSheck and hooker Issac Luke were both unavailable through injury, while fellow veterans Simon Mannering, Ben Matulino and Russell Packer have retired from international football.
However, WateneZeleniak was picked as skipper ahead of the more experienced Shaun Johnson, Jesse Bromwich and Kevin Proctor, who are in the team.
Bromwich was stripped of the title last year after he and Proctor were caught allegedly snorting cocaine after the Kiwis’ midyear test against Australia last year. The pair will make their anticipated return against the Kangaroos after being named yesterday, along with new caps Joseph Manu and Brandon Smith.
Manu is one of three players from the Sydney Roosters side that claimed the NRL premiership over Melbourne two weeks ago.
WateneZelezniak had the choice to represent Tonga early in his career but chose to follow great grandfather Steve, who was the first Maori player to captain New Zealand in 193637.
‘‘I was really humbled when Madge [Maguire] offered me the chance to captain my country. It’s a huge honour, especially following in my great grandfather’s steps,’’ he said.
A total of 10 players who played in this year’s loss to England in Denver have retained their spots. Johnson, Jordan Rapana and Kenny Bromwich make their international returns from injury.