Mannering in fight to keep spot in Kiwis
Senior players come under pressure as Kidwell looks to introduce new style for NZ
Former Kiwis captain Simon Mannering i s one of three senior players under pressure to retain or reclaim their spots, with the national selectors divided over whether to include him in their World Cup squad.
Most Kiwis fans would have Mannering among the first players picked, however the Warriors’ stalwart’s inclusion is not guaranteed and his potential role remains the topic of great debate among the Kiwis’ brains trust.
Kiwis coach David Kidwell i s understood to be a strong advocate of Mannering and eager to have him in his 24- man squad. But Kidwell and fellow selectors Tawera Nikau, Hugh McGahan and Tony Iro are yet to determine how or where the 42- test veteran fits into plans to drastically revamp the side’s style of play.
Incumbent hooker Issac Luke is another who could pay the price for the Warriors’ poor NRL season, while Sydney Roosters front- rower Jared Waerea- Hargreaves needs to produce a block- buster performance in tonight’s grand final qualifier against North Queensland, to prove he’s deserving of a test recall.
“Those are the things that we have to deliberate over as selectors, but Simon’s one of those players that you know what you’re going to get out of him week- in and week- out,” Nikau told the Weekend Herald.
“But i s that going to be good enough to play the brand of football that we need? Those are the discussions and the debates we are having. Everyone will say that he’s the heart and soul of the Warriors, but at the end of the day, we’ve going to pick a squad that’s going to play a style of football that David wants to play, but also be able to challenge the Aussies, the English, Samoans and Tongans.
“Those are the tough conversations and debates that we need to have.”
A Kiwis squad without Mannering is almost unthinkable. But even if he does make the cut for the end of season tournament, he may find himself relegated to a spot on the interchange bench. “There is some discussion and debate about that,” said Nikau. “Is he starting or coming off the bench? There’s a whole lot of those different conversations [ happening]. But it’s [ about] what does he actually bring to the team? You know what you’re going to get out of him. There are those debates. We’re having those conversations.”
Kidwell, together with recently appointed technical analyst and veteran NRL coach, Brian Smith, have formulated a plan to improve the Kiwis struggling attack.
A change in tactics is desperately needed. The Kiwis have lost their last four tests against the Kangaroos and managed one win from six since Kidwell replaced former coach Stephen Kearney last September.
“David’s got a game plan to change that and has had a look at trying to exploit how we want to play in the World Cup,” said Nikau.
The Weekend Herald understands the Kiwis forwards will be given greater licence to use the ball, with halves Shaun Johnson and Kieran Foran and fullback Roger TuivasaSheck instructed to play at the line and provide constant support through the middle of the ruck.
Having a speedy dummyhalf is also integral to that plan and Luke could also find himself out in the cold.
Former Warriors utility Thomas Leuluai is expected to win selection and provide cover for hooker and the halves. Newcastle Knights hooker Danny Levi is believed to be the main challenger to win the role as back- up hooker, ahead of Melbourne Storm rookie Brandon Smith.