Hugh McGahan: Toned-down arrogance refreshing

I am totally surprised by the lack of arrogance normally evident from rugby league writers in Australia in the lead-up to international fixtures.

The usually intrepid writers are now apprehensive in their predictions for the Tri Nations series between themselves, New Zealand and Great Britain. The arrogance has dissipated, which is what you would expect given Australia's failure in the last campaign, but they are still confident of winning.

I have come to expect this attitude from players and coaches before test matches - where they all err on the side of caution and state how the opposition is good and they respect them, and how they will need to be on their game if they wish to win the encounter.

But to read it from the journalists is refreshing.

For many a year the over-confident media stated that the international game was in disrepair and no country could mount a serious challenge to the supremacy of Australia. They can be forgiven, for it was not that long ago when there was an element of truth to that claim. But to state it with such arrogance was a little more than we could handle.

The credibility of New Zealand has been lifted in recent times, thanks primarily to more consistent performances due to the number of players now contracted and playing in first grade in the NRL.

The NRL factor is more evident in the naming of the Kiwi squad to defend their title, and the inclusion of younger players with experience at the top flight. Adam Blair, Epalahame Lauaki, Simon Mannering, Steve Matai, Iosia Soliola and Manu Vatuvei have the opportunity to represent their country at the highest level. Australia have followed a similar pattern, naming Greg Inglis, Jarrod Hayne and Cameron Smith.

It will be interesting to monitor the Australian media during the Tri Nations and follow their reporting of their side and the Kiwis and British.

If I am to comment on the composition of the Kiwi team, it is in two areas: The halves, again; and I continue to raise the question of who is the heir apparent to Stacey Jones.

I understand about the unavailability of Benji Marshall but he is primarily a five-eighths. We know that Stacey will retire soon but where is our next No 7?

At one time it was thought that Nathan Fien would be an option once he made himself available for selection but that obviously was not considered an option by the New Zealand selectors.

We still do not have an established goal kicker. How can we continue to enter the test arena without someone with the ability to kick us to victory if games are tight?

Stacey Jones is the obvious selection for this role but who is the back-up if, God forbid, an injury occurs with Stacey?

Please, a plea to the New Zealand selectors: Start having a goal kicker as part of your criteria.