League: Vagana does National service

As the debate rages about whether Kiwis should be able to play in the State of Origin, Nigel Vagana sighs and shakes his head.

For the 30-year-old try-scoring machine it's a simple equation. "I wouldn't want to play Origin football," he said, honestly referring to the likes of Auckland-born Karmichael Hunt who has pinned his hopes on playing for Queensland.

"It's for guys that grew up in New South Wales or Queensland - I grew up in Grey Lynn.

"When someone's asked to play for their country, I guess that's when you find out what's in their heart. If they don't want to play for the Kiwis, fair enough, but I don't think you should need to be asked twice to play for New Zealand."

That's what you get with Nigel Vagana - he's open, honest and passionate about wearing the black-and-white jersey. He's done it 27 times since 1998, placing him second behind skipper Ruben Wiki with 43 in the current squad.

It's also part of the reason why he was a dejected figure after a series of howlers playing at fullback in the 37-10 loss to the Kangaroos last season. But Vagana has put it all behind him and wouldn't have any reservations about playing fullback on Friday for the Anzac test in the absence of the injured Brent Webb.

"I will play anywhere the team needs me," he explains as he cooks up an omelette after Sharks training. "Obviously I didn't have the happiest time at fullback last year but, if Daniel Anderson decides he needs me there, it wouldn't bother me."

Actually, few things seem to bother the affable Kiwi, who was often considered the game's best centre during his three seasons with the Bulldogs.

He's happy doing his own thing and isn't concerned who the Australians field in Brisbane on Friday night - "They're always strong across the park." He's also non-plussed about the fact the Kiwis have been written off for the one-off test - "They always write us off, they've been doing it for 100 years."

The part-time architecture student is full of optimism, however, despite the loss of the likes of Webb, Sonny Bill Williams, Joe Galuvao and Tony Puletua through injury and Monty Betham and Tevita Latu, both through suspension.

He cites the topsy-turvy nature of the NRL, which has seen the more fancied sides like the Roosters, Bulldogs, Panthers and Eels struggle, as very encouraging.

"It's a pretty even competition this year. If you're not on top of your game, you can get beaten by anyone," Vagana said. "It gives us a lot of hope because we know we only have to get up for one game to beat them."

Although toppling Australia is a tough ask any time, Vagana says it helps that they'll be getting a shot before the Australian players will emerge battle-hardened by the tough State of Origin series. "It means we're on a level playing field having played six games. But we're at Suncorp Stadium, which is the old Lang Park ... " he said trailing off while pondering the significance of the venue.

It's a ground full of passion but it should suit a guy who's passionate about playing for his country, and that's got to count for something.

Possible Kiwis

Louis Anderson, Roy Asotasi, Jason Cayless, Sione Faumuina, Lance Hohaia, David Kidwell, Wairangi Koopu, Jamaal Lolesi, Benji Marshall, Frank Pritchard, Paul Rauhihi, Jerome Ropati, Clinton Toopi, Matt Utai, Nigel Vagana, Paul Whatuira, Ruben Wiki.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY