Hockey: Brothers ready to hit the big league after time out

By Terry Maddaford

A new coach and a new start have given Craig and Greg Russ the opportunity to rekindle their international hockey careers.

But, the brothers are quick to point out, their decision to step away from the big time was not, as many had suggested, because of discontent with former New Zealand coach Keith Gorringe.

"Obviously we have heard that, but it is not true," the pair said as they prepared to leave with the New Zealand team for Malaysia today.

"We just wanted to take time out and come back fresh."

New coach Robin Wilson has welcomed the brothers back into the fold, pointing to the experience their combined 150 international appearances bring.

"While they have been out of international hockey for some time, we are confident they won't take long to get back to where they were," said Wilson.

"The experience they bring is very important. As an example, we have seen the improvement in Craig's game as the trials and matches against Japan went on."

Greg, aged 27 - three years younger than his brother - should join the exclusive 100 club during the forthcoming tournament in Brisbane.

Greg played his 92nd game for New Zealand in the fourth test against Japan at Lloyd Elsmore Park last week. Craig has more than 60 caps.

From a hockey-playing family - their father played club hockey for the strong Somerville club and represented Waikato and Nelson - the brothers played for St Kentigern (where Craig also played tennis and Greg rugby) before graduating to the Auckland side.

But this season they will move across the bridge to play for North Harbour - who are coincidentally coached by Wilson's assistant, Allan Hill - in the new national league.

"Although we have been training under the new coaches for only a few days, we have certainly enjoyed the change," said Craig. "They have some great ideas, and while we didn't do as well as we had hoped in the tests against Japan, I'm sure things will only improve."

Both admit the new "no off-side" rule has made a huge difference to the way hockey is played. It has also meant a greater emphasis on speed and fitness - something both are having to work pretty hard at following their time away from the international game.

Greg these days plays at inside forward after earlier playing on the left wing for New Zealand. It gives him the opportunity to play alongside the goal-grabbing John Radovonich.

Craig played his early hockey up front. Now he prefers a utility defender's role.