Rugby League: Tahu spurns shot at a Kiwi jersey

By PETER JESSUP

Newcastle wing and National Rugby League top tryscorer Timana Tahu has ruled himself out of contention for a Kiwi jersey and will seek to represent Australia.

The 19-year-old has a Maori father and Aboriginal mother and so is eligible for selection for either nation even though he has only ever lived in Australia.

Under pressure from both sides to declare his loyalties in the build-up to the Anzac test, Tahu at first said he believed he was too young to decide and just wanted to concentrate on securing a starting spot at the Knights.

But the New Zealand Rugby League yesterday said he had since notified Junior Kiwi coach Gary Kemble that he would pursue Australian test honours.

Australian test candidate Craig Gower yesterday declared himself fit after three weeks out with an injured knee.

The Australian selectors signalled that they favour the 22-year-old ahead of ageing Eagle Geoff Toovey, with Johnny Raper yesterday declaring Gower "the logical choice" provided he gets through the game against the Roosters this Saturday.

Raper also said he preferred Brad Fittler at standoff rather than lock, going against coach Chris Anderson's call for a combination of Andrew and Matthew Johns or, with Matthew ruled out, Andrew and Anthony Mundine.

Anderson rated the Kiwi side as having some good footballers, size up front and in Stacey Jones and the Paul brothers, clever players who could capitalise, but said he would not be considering the Kiwis' make-up when he, Raper, and fellow selectors Arthur Beetson, Les Geeves and Eddie Lumsden decided after Sunday's NRL games who would play for Australia.

Newcastle centre Matt Gidley was ruled out yesterday with injury.