Internationals Kiwis Depth Chart

[Bangbros 2023]

Aotearoa Kiwis Depth Check — The Niche Cache

On one side of the road we have dates and ideas for the NRL's return and on the other side of the road we have the fact that the NRL is proving themselves to be a strange ol' organistaion rooted in strange ol' Aussie ways.

theniche-cache.com

 

[Bangbros 2023]

My depth chart (age)

Fullback R T Sheck (26), D W Zelezniark (24), C N Klokstad (24)

Wings K Maumalo (25), D W Zelezniark (24), B Simminson (22), J Asaako (23), R Smith (22).

Centres E Marsters (23), J Manu (23), C N Klokstad (24), R Smith (22), P Hiku (27).

Halves S Johnson (29), B Marshall (35), J Hughes (25), D Brown (19), K Foran (29), C H Tavita (21).

Hooker B Smith (24) K Nikorima (26),J M King (24), I Luke (32), D Levi (24).

Props J Bromwich (30), N A Solomona (24), J W Hargreaves (31), L A Mau (30), B H Uele (25), R Toomanga (24), M Fotoaika (20), T Perseka (22), P Hola (20).

Backrow T Harris (28), B Nikora (22), J F Harris (24), J Tapine (25), K Bromwich (28), I Liu (28), M Nuikore (23), J Tavanga (24).

Hit me with your upgrades and downgrades! And yes I am very bored!!!

 

[Defence]

For what it’s worth I’ve heard they are looking at playing Tonga on the Gold Coast and Australia at the new stadium in Townsville this year.
Hopefully they can get it done.

 

[Sky Waka]

For what it’s worth I’ve heard they are looking at playing Tonga on the Gold Coast and Australia at the new stadium in Townsville this year.
Hopefully they can get it done.

All Australia cares about is getting Origin done, so they won't be going to England and I'd be surprised if they'd put a team together for a 1 off game.

But I think we're getting a bit off topic.

Niukore seems committed to the Cooks, I think Fotuaika's been in Tongan camp and I have no idea who Hola is.

 

[brightman]

All Australia cares about is getting Origin done, so they won't be going to England and I'd be surprised if they'd put a team together for a 1 off game.

Agreed, also the NRL certainly won't be entertaining the prospect of NZ and Tonga improving playing tests prior to the World Cup when both teams have the wood over them..

 

[Selector]

A quick list of Kiwi 'eligible' NRL players signed to teams this year. Cant be bothered to include the Warriors as most know which players are eligible

Brisbane
Jaymane Isaako, Jesse Arthars, Jordan Kahu, Richard Kennar, Alex Glenn, Isaac Luke, Keenan Palasia, Pride Petterson-Robati, Jordan Riki

Canberra
Bailey Simonsson, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Jordan Rapana, Matthew Timoko, Sebastian Kris, Corey Harawira-Naera, Iosia Soliola, Joseph Tapine, Siliva Havili

Canterbury
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Kieran Foran, Remis Smith, Tuipulotu Katoa, Tim Lafai, Jeremy Marshall-King, Ofahiki Ogden, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Renouf To'omaga, Sauaso Sue, Sione Katoa

Cronulla
Bryson Goodwin, Jackson Ferris, Mawene Hiroti, Ronald Mulitalo, Shaun Johnson, Sione Katoa, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Briton Nikora, Jack Williams, Royce Hunt, Scott Sorensen, Siosifa Talakai, Kayleb Milne

Gold Coast
Erin Clark, Greg Marzhew, Darius Farmer, Kea Pere, Juwain Compain, Kevin Proctor, Sam Lisone, Moeaki Fotuaika, Ioane Seiuli

Manly
Josh Schuster, Morgan Harper, Moses Suli, Tevita Funa, Addin Fonua-Blake, Danny Levi, Manase Fainu, Keith Titmuss, Taniela Paseka, Toafofoa Sipley

Melbourne
Jahrome Hughes, Sandor Earl, Albert Vete, Brandon Smith, Jesse Bromwich, Kenneth Bromwich, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Kelma Tuilagi, Judda Turahui

Newcastle
Mason Lino, Hymel Hunt, Nathanael Sasagi, Phoenix Crossland, Staford Toa, Herman Ese'ese, Jirah Momoisea, Pasami Saulo

North Queensland
Connelly Lemuelu, Daejarn Asi, Esan Marsters, Murray Taulagi, Emry Pere, Francis Molo, Jason Taumalolo, Peter Hola, Wiremu Greig, Tukimihia Simpkins

Parramatta
Brad Takairangi, Dylan Brown, Haze Dunster, Junior Paulo, Marata Niukore, Oregon Kaufusi, Peni Terepo, Stefano Utoikamanu

Penrith
Caleb Aekins, Dean Blore, Dean Whare, Jarome Luai, Malaki Watene-Zelezniak, James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota, Spencer Leniu, Zane Tetevano

Souths
Jaxson Paulo, Steven Marsters, Jadyn Su'A, Patrick Mago, Tom Amone

St George
Jordan Pereira, Matthew Feagi, Max Feagi,

Roosters
Christian Tuipulotu, Isaac Liu, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Poasa Faamausili, Siosiua Taukeiaho, Sitili Tupouniua, Sonny Bill Williams

Wests
Asu Kepaoa, Benji Marshall, Joseph Leilua, Tommy Talau, Elijah Taylor, Josh Aloiai, Luciano Leilua, Michael Chee-Kam, Shawn Blore, Thomas Mikaele, Zane Musgrove

 

[Weno]

Hope Madge is looking at Paseka.
Been outstanding for Manly.

Bolters for me would be Tommy Talau and Sitli Tupouniua.

So many players who can choose more than one nation.

 

[Billy Teets James]

A quick list of Kiwi 'eligible' NRL players signed to teams this year. Cant be bothered to include the Warriors as most know which players are eligible

Brisbane
Jaymane Isaako, Jesse Arthars, Jordan Kahu, Richard Kennar, Alex Glenn, Isaac Luke, Keenan Palasia, Pride Petterson-Robati, Jordan Riki

Canberra
Bailey Simonsson, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Jordan Rapana, Matthew Timoko, Sebastian Kris, Corey Harawira-Naera, Iosia Soliola, Joseph Tapine, Siliva Havili

Canterbury
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Kieran Foran, Remis Smith, Tuipulotu Katoa, Tim Lafai, Jeremy Marshall-King, Ofahiki Ogden, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Renouf To'omaga, Sauaso Sue, Sione Katoa

Cronulla
Bryson Goodwin, Jackson Ferris, Mawene Hiroti, Ronald Mulitalo, Shaun Johnson, Sione Katoa, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Briton Nikora, Jack Williams, Royce Hunt, Scott Sorensen, Siosifa Talakai, Kayleb Milne

Gold Coast
Erin Clark, Greg Marzhew, Darius Farmer, Kea Pere, Juwain Compain, Kevin Proctor, Sam Lisone, Moeaki Fotuaika, Ioane Seiuli

Manly
Josh Schuster, Morgan Harper, Moses Suli, Tevita Funa, Addin Fonua-Blake, Danny Levi, Manase Fainu, Keith Titmuss, Taniela Paseka, Toafofoa Sipley

Melbourne
Jahrome Hughes, Sandor Earl, Albert Vete, Brandon Smith, Jesse Bromwich, Kenneth Bromwich, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Kelma Tuilagi, Judda Turahui

Newcastle
Mason Lino, Hymel Hunt, Nathanael Sasagi, Phoenix Crossland, Staford Toa, Herman Ese'ese, Jirah Momoisea, Pasami Saulo

North Queensland
Connelly Lemuelu, Daejarn Asi, Esan Marsters, Murray Taulagi, Emry Pere, Francis Molo, Jason Taumalolo, Peter Hola, Wiremu Greig, Tukimihia Simpkins

Parramatta
Brad Takairanig, Dylan Brown, Haze Dunster, Junior Paulo, Marata Niukore, Oregon Kaufusi, Peni Terepo, Stefano Utoikamanu

Penrith
Caleb Aekins, Dean Blore, Dean Whare, Jarome Luai, Malaki Watene-Zelezniak, James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota, Spencer Leniu, Zane Tetevano

Souths
Jaxson Paulo, Steven Marsters, Jadyn Su'A, Patrick Mago, Tom Amone

St George
Jordan Pereira, Matthew Feagi, Max Feagi,

Roosters
Christian Tuipulotu, Isaac Liu, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Poasa Faamausili, Siosiua Taukeiaho, Sitili Tupouniua, Sonny Bill Williams

Wests
Asu Kepaoa, Benji Marshall, Joseph Leilua, Tommy Talau, Elijah Taylor, Josh Aloiai, Luciano Leilua, Michael Chee-Kam, Shawn Blore, Thomas Mikaele, Zane Musgrove

What connection does Royce Hunt & Jack Williams have to NZ ? Royce is of Samoan decent born & bred in Australia. Apart from Having a Maori partner & related to Karmichael Hunt(Turn Coat lol) as far as i know thats the only connection he has to NZ.
& Jack is a true blue Ocker isn't he?

I Invest a lot of time in to finding out who is eligible & who is not. I go as far as messaging players on social media if I can't find the info myself lol.
Any more info on these 2 would be much appreciated bro.

 

[Billy Teets James]

Hope Madge is looking at Paseka.
Been outstanding for Manly.

Bolters for me would be Tommy Talau and Sitli Tupouniua.

So many players who can choose more than one nation.

Be hard choosing Tongan players. They have formed a really strong bond of late in committing to their island nation regardless of how much money they miss out on playing for Oz/NZ.
I respect that to. Love over money.
If Samoa can get their players to make the same commitment then we're in a lot of trouble lol.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, NAS , Papalii, Maumalo , Payne Haas , Fa’asuamaleaui, Taupau, Chanel Harris-Tavita , Dylan Brown , Junior Paulo , Stephen Crichton, Sione Katoa , Hamlin- Uele , Luai. They'd be as strong as Tonga.

 

[Bangbros 2023]

My kiwis team all fit are

1 R T Sheck
2 S Katoa
3 C N Klokstad
4 J Manu
5 K Maumalo
6 D Brown
7 S Johnson
8 J Bromwich
9 B Smith
10 J F Harris
11 J Tapine
12 T Harris
13 I Liu

14 K Nikorima
15 J W Hargreaves
16 N A Solomona
17 S Tupouniua

18 J Hughes
19 D Levi
20 P Hiku
21 M Niukore
22 M Fotuaika
23 B H Uele

 

[ArtySubs]

Is Fotuaika keen? He’s been awesome, is he born in NZ? Reckon he could be awesome rotation with JBrom, JWH and NAS

 

[Selector]

Is Fotuaika keen? He’s been awesome, is he born in NZ? Reckon he could be awesome rotation with JBrom, JWH and NAS

Born in Gisborne to Tongan Parents.

 

[Selector]

What connection does Royce Hunt & Jack Williams have to NZ ? Royce is of Samoan decent born & bred in Australia. Apart from Having a Maori partner & related to Karmichael Hunt(Turn Coat lol) as far as i know thats the only connection he has to NZ.
& Jack is a true blue Ocker isn't he?

I Invest a lot of time in to finding out who is eligible & who is not. I go as far as messaging players on social media if I can't find the info myself lol.
Any more info on these 2 would be much appreciated bro.

Royce Hunt. Born in Sydney raised in Western Australia to New Zealand parents.

Sydney born, WA raised, of Kiwi parentage, Hunt will become the 537th Sharks first grade player when he takes to the field against the Bulldogs.
Source:

Hunt takes the road less traveled to Sharks debut

Royce Hunt is set to make his first Sharks appearance in the match against the Bulldogs on Sunday, the front rower taking the road less travelled to his club debut

www.sharks.com.au

Interesting note: WA rugby league has an annual ANZAC clash between Perth City & Perth Kiwis. The likes of Curtis Rona have played in the match.

Jack Williams was at the Raiders before he moved to the Sharks, he was selected for the Taurahere squad back in 2014. Not sure if you're familiar with the concept. But its an u18 team of Australian based players with Kiwi eligibility who play a NZ based u 18 team.
Source:

NZRL Media Release - Taurahere offer hope to offshore Kiwis

There's a bigger game being played out at this week's 'Got A Trade?' NZRL National Youth Tournament in Rotorua.

www.scoop.co.nz

Interesting note: names that you maybe familiar with that were named in the most recent ' Wider Taurahere' squad in 2017 are Jesse Arthars, Jaxson Paulo, Darius Farmer.

 

[Five&Last]

A quick list of Kiwi 'eligible' NRL players signed to teams this year. Cant be bothered to include the Warriors as most know which players are eligible

Brisbane
Jaymane Isaako, Jesse Arthars, Jordan Kahu, Richard Kennar, Alex Glenn, Isaac Luke, Keenan Palasia, Pride Petterson-Robati, Jordan Riki

Canberra
Bailey Simonsson, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Jordan Rapana, Matthew Timoko, Sebastian Kris, Corey Harawira-Naera, Iosia Soliola, Joseph Tapine, Siliva Havili

Canterbury
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Kieran Foran, Remis Smith, Tuipulotu Katoa, Tim Lafai, Jeremy Marshall-King, Ofahiki Ogden, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Renouf To'omaga, Sauaso Sue, Sione Katoa

Cronulla
Bryson Goodwin, Jackson Ferris, Mawene Hiroti, Ronald Mulitalo, Shaun Johnson, Sione Katoa, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Briton Nikora, Jack Williams, Royce Hunt, Scott Sorensen, Siosifa Talakai, Kayleb Milne

Gold Coast
Erin Clark, Greg Marzhew, Darius Farmer, Kea Pere, Juwain Compain, Kevin Proctor, Sam Lisone, Moeaki Fotuaika, Ioane Seiuli

Manly
Josh Schuster, Morgan Harper, Moses Suli, Tevita Funa, Addin Fonua-Blake, Danny Levi, Manase Fainu, Keith Titmuss, Taniela Paseka, Toafofoa Sipley

Melbourne
Jahrome Hughes, Sandor Earl, Albert Vete, Brandon Smith, Jesse Bromwich, Kenneth Bromwich, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Kelma Tuilagi, Judda Turahui

Newcastle
Mason Lino, Hymel Hunt, Nathanael Sasagi, Phoenix Crossland, Staford Toa, Herman Ese'ese, Jirah Momoisea, Pasami Saulo

North Queensland
Connelly Lemuelu, Daejarn Asi, Esan Marsters, Murray Taulagi, Emry Pere, Francis Molo, Jason Taumalolo, Peter Hola, Wiremu Greig, Tukimihia Simpkins

Parramatta
Brad Takairanig, Dylan Brown, Haze Dunster, Junior Paulo, Marata Niukore, Oregon Kaufusi, Peni Terepo, Stefano Utoikamanu

Penrith
Caleb Aekins, Dean Blore, Dean Whare, Jarome Luai, Malaki Watene-Zelezniak, James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota, Spencer Leniu, Zane Tetevano

Souths
Jaxson Paulo, Steven Marsters, Jadyn Su'A, Patrick Mago, Tom Amone

St George
Jordan Pereira, Matthew Feagi, Max Feagi,

Roosters
Christian Tuipulotu, Isaac Liu, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Poasa Faamausili, Siosiua Taukeiaho, Sitili Tupouniua, Sonny Bill Williams

Wests
Asu Kepaoa, Benji Marshall, Joseph Leilua, Tommy Talau, Elijah Taylor, Josh Aloiai, Luciano Leilua, Michael Chee-Kam, Shawn Blore, Thomas Mikaele, Zane Musgrove

What’s the rules for guys like Shawn Blore who have played Junior Kangaroos already?

I know where it’s the other way around Australia deem them ineligible, hence why Addin Fonua-Blake can’t play Origin despite wanting to, because of that Junior Kiwis appearance.

 

[Weno]

What’s the rules for guys like Shawn Blore who have played Junior Kangaroos already?

I know where it’s the other way around Australia deem them ineligible, hence why Addin Fonua-Blake can’t play Origin despite wanting to, because of that Junior Kiwis appearance.

Same story as the Nikorima brothers.
One chose Australia, the other NZ.
The Blores are the same.

 

[Selector]

What’s the rules for guys like Shawn Blore who have played Junior Kangaroos already?

I know where it’s the other way around Australia deem them ineligible, hence why Addin Fonua-Blake can’t play Origin despite wanting to, because of that Junior Kiwis appearance.

Unless the rules have changed recently (It can be hard to keep track what all with the constant eligibility changes ) its the Beale situation, played for the Junior Kanagaroos but opted for the Kiwis at senior level.

So Shawn Blore, can represent the Kiwis at senior level if he wished too.

In regards to Fonua-Blake he may just get his wish, if V'Landys & Fitler get their way.

Could State of Origin make a permanent post-season switch? Pete V'landys says it might

State of Origin's coronavirus-enforced move to November could become a permanent thing, ARLC chairman Pete V'landys says, if this year's series "rates the roof off".

www.abc.net.au

 

[Defence]

What’s the rules for guys like Shawn Blore who have played Junior Kangaroos already?

I know where it’s the other way around Australia deem them ineligible, hence why Addin Fonua-Blake can’t play Origin despite wanting to, because of that Junior Kiwis appearance.

Addin Fonua-Blake played for the senior kiwi side at the last World Cup.

 

[Selector]

Addin Fonua-Blake played for the senior kiwi side at the last World Cup.

Addin Fonua-Blake is a peculiar case, or a better way to describe his case would be that it perfectly highlights the farce the eligibility rules can be in Rugby League.

So he first played for the Junior Kiwis, after that he was then selected by the 'City' team to play in the City vs Country game, however, once in camp the City selectors realised that he had already played for the Junior Kiwis and he was therefore withdrawn from the City team. Which is weird because, it hasn't stopped the Kangaroos from selecting the likes of Valentine Holmes or Josh Papalii even though they also played for the Junior Kiwis. After that he then played for the Kiwis before switching his allegiance to Tonga. But wait with the proposed changes to State of Origin put forward by V'Landys and Fittler, he could also play for NSW in the future.

Also if anyone remembers, the 'slowest' winger ever to play for the Kiwis in Luke Covell, he played for City in the City vs Country game before playing for the Kiwis.

 

[Billy Teets James]

Royce Hunt. Born in Sydney raised in Western Australia to New Zealand Parents.

Sydney born, WA raised, of Kiwi parentage, Hunt will become the 537th Sharks first grade player when he takes to the field against the Bulldogs.
Source:

Hunt takes the road less traveled to Sharks debut

Royce Hunt is set to make his first Sharks appearance in the match against the Bulldogs on Sunday, the front rower taking the road less travelled to his club debut

www.sharks.com.au

Interesting note: WA rugby league has an annual ANZAC clash between Perth City & Perth Kiwis. The likes of Curtis Rona have played in the match.

Jack Williams was at the Raiders before he moved to the Sharks, he was selected for the Taurahere squad back in 2014. Not sure if you're familiar with the concept. But its an u18 team of Australian based players with Kiwi eligibility who play a NZ based u 18 team.
Source:

NZRL Media Release - Taurahere offer hope to offshore Kiwis

There's a bigger game being played out at this week's 'Got A Trade?' NZRL National Youth Tournament in Rotorua.

www.scoop.co.nz

Interesting note: names that you maybe familiar with that were named in the most recent ' Wider Taurahere' squad in 2018 are Jesse Arthars, Jaxson Paulo, Darius Farmer.

Appreciate it bro. Thanks for the info.

 

[Horriors2013]

My kiwis team all fit are

1 R T Sheck
2 S Katoa
3 C N Klokstad
4 J Manu
5 K Maumalo
6 D Brown
7 S Johnson
8 J Bromwich
9 B Smith
10 J F Harris
11 J Tapine
12 T Harris
13 I Liu

14 K Nikorima
15 J W Hargreaves
16 N A Solomona
17 S Tupouniua

18 J Hughes
19 D Levi
20 P Hiku
21 M Niukore
22 M Fotuaika
23 B H Uele

That set of forwards and bench is as good as I've seen.