League: Kiwi stocks in good health

Lance Hohaia. Photo / Getty Images

The Kiwis might have some significant injury worries for the May 7 Anzac test in Melbourne but, judging by the depth of talent on offer in the NRL, they won't pose too many problems for coach Stephen Kearney and the new selection panel.

New Zealand's league talent stocks are in one of their healthiest states ahead of the regular early-season fixture. They need to be, if the Kiwis are to take out the Bill Kelly Memorial Trophy for a second time in 11 fixtures - the first being in 1998 at North Harbour Stadium, the only time it has been staged in New Zealand.

Kearney is cautious about offering too much hope but acknowledges players are performing ahead of the squad announcement on May 2.

"There are still three weeks to go so there's a risk of injury but we can put together a fairly good side. But, as I always say, the result isn't too much of an issue, primarily it is about performance. I don't talk about winning and losing."

However, the fans do. With the personnel on offer, there will be demands New Zealand has its name engraved again on the trophy.

Former Kiwis captain-turned-commentator Richie Barnett has high expectations: "What we haven't had in the past is players performing to the best of their ability at this stage of the season.

"That is happening at the moment in the key playmaking positions [dummy-half, halfback and five-eighth]. Lance Hohaia, Issac Luke, Kieran Foran and Benji Marshall are playing out of their skins.

"Benji's maturity has been phenomenal this year. He's waiting until the fourth or fifth tackle before coming up with the big play.

"Issac is playing with confidence behind a strong forward pack at Souths. He's got variety, he's quick around the ruck, he's strong and he can read a play.

"Kieran is a good defender and tactically he's performed well, passing at the right times.

"Then there's Lance, who is ideal at fullback as a third kicking option who can come in as a first or second receiver or utility," said Barnett.

Kearney acknowledges that Hohaia is a key to his strategy: "Lance has been going well as Warriors fullback and he can back up round the field.

"Benji is still growing into his role but, to be fair, he's only just clocked up 100 NRL games. Issac has been dynamic. While there were some questions over Kieran early this season, he's come right - with Manly winning their last three games."

The loss of Jeremy Smith and possibly Simon Mannering to injury is a concern but Kearney says they are not lean across the forwards.

"Obviously we would love to have Jeremy with his ability to go to the line and I'll give Simon every chance to come back into the mix but if it doesn't happen, Adam Blair could make a suitable back row replacement. He's been right on the edge lately. We've got plenty of depth there, with Frank Pritchard another key contender.

"Then there are propping riches in Roy Asotasi, Sam Rapira, Fuifui Moimoi and Frank-Paul Nuuausala.

"I'm also looking forward to Jared Waerea-Hargreaves joining the fray this week for the Roosters after his injury [dislocated shoulder]."

Kearney hasn't mentioned Lewis Brown, who could make a surprise appearance, after joining the train-on squad last year and impressing with his 2010 form.

Former Kiwis skipper Hugh McGahan likes what he's seen: "I've been impressed with his performances. He has a lot of talent, mongrel and a big future.

"I've also enjoyed Rapira's displays at prop. The onus of responsibility has gone on him with Steve Price's unavailability. He's a lot more consistent now. If he's not in the starting line-up, he'll be on the bench.

"Without Smith, you need someone tidying up in the background, going to the line, offloading, as well as making hard yards. I'm still expecting more of Moimoi though. He hasn't hit the headlines like last year, though not many from Parramatta are at the moment."

There is also debate on who should fill numbers two through to five. With Manu Vatuvei's fitness debatable, it seems Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Sam Perrett, Bryson Goodwin, Jason Nightingale and Kevin Locke are in contention for the wings, while Steve Matai and Junior Sau are seen as a possible centres, with Jerome Ropati and Kenny-Dowall on the shortlist.

An area of minor pre-test concern is whether the new AAMI Park will be ready on time. The Anzac test is the first fixture in the revamped venue in Olympic Park but the deadline keeps extending.

As assistant coach with the Storm, Kearney was meant to move in there in the first week of May. That's been put off at least a month but the basic amenities are expected to be ready.

"To be honest, as long as there is a changing room and a field, we'll be right."