NRL: 'Burnout' claims Kiwis prospects

Warriors prop Suaia Matagi, not long ago languishing in jail, has been selected for the Kiwis squad. Picture / Richard Robinson

Tough season takes its toll as two vital players ruled out of Four Nations squad

Selection dramas with the Kiwis seem to occur about every six months. Yesterday was no different, with the late withdrawals of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves from the Kiwis' Four Nations squad.

They were both named in the Kiwis' train-on squad last week but now were suddenly unavailable due to "burnout" and "season fatigue", though coach Stephen Kearney and manager Tony Iro referred to unspecified niggling injuries as also being a factor.

"It's down to injuries and ongoing fatigue ... that is how it has been put across particularly in Roger's case," said Kearney. "They felt the effects at the back end of the season. It wasn't just all about being too tired but it was pretty clear cut in both cases."

"No - never", was Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens' succinct response when asked if an Australian player had ever cited burnout as a reason for withdrawal. "They all want to play for Australia."

It's a curious - and unfortunate - situation that will again put the power and motivations of the clubs in the spotlight.

The information is believed to have been communicated to the Kiwis selectors last weekend, which seems a late call for decisions of such magnitude.

Tuivasa-Sheck had been earmarked for the No 1 jersey, one of the most vital positions in today's game. He would have been the principal attacking weapon while Waerea-Hargreaves offered leadership in a pack shorn of Ben Matulino, Sam McKendry and Frank Pritchard.

"I've been in communication with Jared a lot over the last few weeks, Roger as well but not quite as much," said Kearney. "I've also talked with [Roosters coach] Trent Robinson and we need to take the long-term view here. It's no good for anyone if they are both out next year."

Kearney denied that the clubs had too much power as did Iro, who pointed out that it was just part of the game.

"It's an increasingly violent contact sport and it's taking a toll," said Iro. "The Aussies have been hit much harder than us and I think you are going to see it more often, particularly the year after a World Cup where everyone does anything to be able to play."

Kearney was obviously disappointed but also pragmatic, preferring to talk about the opportunities available now for other young players.

The twin omissions took some of the gloss off what is a Kiwis team bursting with promise, if lacking some experience.

Penrith winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is the pick of the new players, with Kearney pointing out that he could become "our new Roger". Despite having only 10 NRL games under his belt, the 19-year-old showed his big match mentality during the recent finals series.

Jason Taumalolo will finally make his Kiwis debut - many would argue he should have got some minutes in 2012 - and Tigers prop Martin Taupau gets a chance to continue the promise he showed in the Anzac test.

Suaia Matagi is the fairytale story. It wasn't so long ago that he was sitting in a jail cell - now the powerful Warriors prop is going to represent his country. Lewis Brown also makes a return from the international wilderness, his versatility and all-action style getting him the nod.

"They'll be tough - they are always tough," said Kangaroos star Jarryd Hayne. "The gap is definitely closing and it's only really our combinations - that we get through Origin - that maybe gives us an advantage."

There were also the usual hard luck stories with three players from the grand final (Sam Perrett, Pritchard and Kirisome Auva'a) having strong cases among several others.

Kiwis squad

Gerard Beale (St George Illawarra Dragons), Adam Blair (Wests Tigers), Jesse Bromwich (Melbourne Storm), Lewis Brown (Penrith Panthers), Greg Eastwood (Canterbury Bulldogs), Sosaia Feki (Cronulla Sharks), Kieran Foran (Manly Sea Eagles), Tohu Harris (Melbourne Storm), Siliva Havili (Vodafone Warriors), Peta Hiku (Manly Sea Eagles), Shaun Johnson (Vodafone Warriors), Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Sydney Roosters), Thomas Leuluai (Vodafone Warriors), Issac Luke (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Simon Mannering (Vodafone Warriors), Suaia Matagi (Vodafone Warriors), Sam Moa (Sydney Roosters), Jason Nightingale (St George Illawarra Dragons), Kevin Proctor (Melbourne Storm), Jason Taumalolo (North Queensland Cowboys), Martin Taupau (Wests Tigers), Manu Vatuvei (Vodafone Warriors), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Penrith Panthers), Dean Whare (Penrith Panthers)