Maguire era starts for Kiwis
Michael Maguire’s track record of achieving immediate success will be put to the test when the Kiwis begin a new era in Denver tomorrow.
The sweeping changes at the NZRL that saw Maguire replace David Kidwell as coach and a new chief executive appointed following last year’s World Cup embarrassment has continued through to the playing ranks following a string of high-profile withdrawals.
Seven players will make their test debut at Mile High Stadium as Maguire takes the first step to restoring pride in the black-andwhite jersey.
The Australian is no stranger to early success at club level, having led Wigan to the Super League crown in his first season in charge in 2010 before taking South Sydney to a game short of the NRL grand final two years later.
This weekend’s test will give him a much clearer idea of the rebuilding job ahead of him but there is no doubt the Wayne Bennett-coached England side, with most of their World Cup squad on deck, present a daunting challenge.
‘‘I’m actually really excited,’’ said Maguire, who is coaching his first game since being let go by the Rabbitohs last year. ‘‘To be back out on the training park with the team has been refreshing and the new guys that have come into the team are that excited about it as well.
‘‘We’ve got a new opportunity, a lot of guys are having their first game for New Zealand and it’s about our performance. We’ve set out to do a job for each other and that’s what last 15 minutes of Melbourne’s 34-6 grand final victory over the Cowboys.
Griffin has been a revelation for the Knights in 2018. In a move that surprised many, Knights coach Nathan Brown started him in the No 9 jersey ahead of incumbent Kiwis hooker Danny Levi and Griffin has made it his own.
The career investment in playing understudy to Storm skipper Cameron Smith is finally paying off.
Griffin may not have lived on the West Coast for several years but the Cobden-Kohinoor Keas junior’s selection is a boost to the area which has – for the first time in 101 years – had to scrap its premier club competition due to dwindling player numbers.
The West Coast has not had a locally registered player represent the Kiwis since Glen Gibb in 1985 and in all probability may not have another.
‘‘They all love their own products coming out of the West Coast and they’re a very proud rugby league town,’’ Griffin says. ‘‘Unfortunately, rugby union has taken over there a bit but they still love their footy down there and I’m getting a lot of support from the town and the people there.’’
Griffin began his Storm career in the club’s SG Ball side and went on to win the under-20 player of the year in 2011, when he was one of the stars of the under-20 competition.
But when on the verge of cementing a first-grade spot in 2012, the off-contract Griffin tore his ACL – for the first time – in a pre-season trial.
Since his Kiwis selection, Griffin has had plenty of time to reflect on his long road to representative honours.
‘‘It’s just the unknown, the financial hardship of not knowing if you’ll get another contract or even play rugby league again.
‘‘That’s kind of the hard bit, getting out of bed every day and just trying to get through that rollercoaster,’’ Griffin said.