Vatuvei’s 2014 Season
Games: Tries: Average running metres: Line breaks: Average tackle breaks: Average errors:
Stephen Kearney and Co aren’t helped by the plethora of wing and fullback contenders. Aside from the back row, there is more depth in the back three than anywhere else. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is an automatic selection and has apparently been earmarked for fullback. Peta Hiku is the obvious choice for fullback cover and is also an option on the flank, though Josh Hoffman is also a contender. Then there is Vatuvei, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Jason Nightingale, Sam Perrett, Ngani Laumape, David Fusitu'a and Sosaia Feki.
Watene-Zelezniak is only 19, with 10 first grade games to his name, but has surely done enough to warrant serious consideration. He is a special talent and could handle the big occasion, as shown by his freakish plays against the Roosters and Bulldogs in recent weeks. He has also declared his allegiance to the Kiwis and the selectors need to reward that loyalty.
The final wing spot looks like a shootout between Vatuvei, Nightingale and Perrett. Perrett has never let down the Kiwis and has had a great season with the Bulldogs, capped off by their finals run. Nightingale is part of the leadership group and a great influence off the field but probably brings the least to the table in terms of all-round skills. Laumape, Fusitu'a and Feki are obvious talents but may have to wait.