All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick declared himself ready for international play after turning out for his Central Hawke's Bay club in Waipukurau today.
"The wrist is pretty good, it's all healed up and in a good spot. I had a good few days in camp with the All Blacks before coming down here and when I get back up there I'll be telling them I'll be ready for the first game later this month," Retallick said after 55 minutes as a starter in Northfuels Central's 26-15 Tui Maddison Trophy ninth round win against Tremains Andrew Clark Clive at Central Park.
"It's been nine years since I last played for Central and it was awesome to get back out there with them again and today was a special day."
Retallick was referring to the fact it was the Central club's Robbie Barr Memorial Day. Former Central player Barr died in 2014 after a building accident.
"Robbie did a lot for me when I first moved up here and I used to flat with him," Retallick recalled.