Watene-Zelezniak named to captain Kiwis
Michael Maguire has well and truly stamped his mark on the Kiwis with the appointment of Dallin Watene-Zelezniak as captain.
The Panthers fullback was the surprise choice as Maguire announced his side to meet Australia in Auckland on Saturday, which includes two debutants in hooker Brandon Smith and centre Joseph Manu.
Former skipper Jesse Bromwich has also been named to start at prop.
At just 23 Watene-Zelezniak, who has played seven tests since his debut in 2016, is one of the youngest captains in New Zealand rugby league history. And his appointment ahead of more experienced campaigners, such as last year’s World Cup captain Adam Blair, Jared WaereaHargreaves and halfback Shaun Johnson, is one few saw coming.
So much so that even the man himself had trouble believing it when Maguire called him about the role two weeks ago.
"I was quiet and I looked at my wife and was like, ’did he just say what I think he said’," WateneZelezniak said.
But after having a night to sleep on it and seeking the advice of his family, Penrith general manager Phil Gould and coach Cameron Ciraldo, it was an easy decision.
"I’m very grateful and privileged to be able to lead this team. I’ll be doing anything and everything I can to be able to lead with my actions on and off the field. I have values in my life that I go by and lead my family at home by.’’
Watene-Zelezniak’s greatgrandfather, Steve Watene, was the first Maori captain of the Kiwis in the 1930s. Following the appointment of Maguire and NZRL chief executive Greg Peters in May, WateneZelezniak’s rise completes a fresh look to the Kiwis’ leadership after last year’s disastrous World Cup.
Maguire opted not to appoint an official captain for the midyear test against England in Denver to survey his options.
He was highly impressed with the conversations they had in the US. And once the coach decided to go with youth, Watene-Zelezniak was a standout choice.
Kiwis team to play Australia: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (c), Ken Maumalo, Esan Marsters, Joseph Manu, Jordan Rapana, Shaun Johnson, Kodi Nikorima, Jesse Bromwich, Brandon Smith, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Kevin Proctor, Isaac Liu, James FisherHarris. Interchange: Kenny Bromwich, Leeson Ah Mau, Martin Taupau, Adam Blair, Peta Hiku, Jahrome Hughes.