Rugby League: Kiwi league talent more than enough: Freeman

SYDNEY - New coach Gary Freeman is unconcerned that British-based players will be unavailable for the Kiwis' test against France in June, believing that the National Rugby League harbours more than enough New Zealand talent.

Sydney-based Freeman uses his commentary role for Fox Sports to see most NRL games played in Australia and was delighted by the form of test prospects through the first five rounds.

While disappointed that British clubs will not release New Zealanders for the one-off match against France, Freeman said that had some positive spinoffs.

"I don't look at anything as a negative.

"I see it as a chance for some of the young players who are performing in the NRL to play against France and see how they go there," Freeman said.

"The team we put on the paddock will be a good one because the quality of players in the NRL is very high. Maybe the same guys will get the opportunity to play against Australia in July.

"I feel sorry for the guys in England, but it's a situation that has to be looked at by the international board.

"I'm sure if [Kangaroos captain] Brad Fittler was playing in England, Australia would find a way to get him Down Under for games like this."

Fullback and captain Richie Barnett, prop Joe Vagana and playmaking Paul brothers Henry and Robbie are the New Zealanders in England with the best chance of being called on for the transtasman test on July 13.

Of them, Vagana may be under the most pressure, with Freeman happy with the progress of props Jason Lowrie, Quentin Pongia, Craig Smith, Ruben Wiki and Jerry SeuSeu.

"They've all been outstanding and, along with Nathan Cayless, it makes it very hard to decide who our starting front-rowers will be," said Freeman.

The Pauls have had a mortgage on the starting spots at hooker and standoff, but Melbourne pair Richard Swain and Tasesa Lavea shape as respective replacements against France.

Barnett might be more difficult to replace, Freeman said.

"We're a little bit light-on for backs. But I must say [wingers] Francis Meli and Henry Fa'afili have been impressive at the Warriors and Lesley Vainikolo is playing well on the wing for Canberra."

Freeman also liked what he saw from the Bulldogs centre pairing of Nigel Vagana and Willie Talau.

The improved form of the Warriors had brought a smile to Freeman's face. He believed the Kiwis' chances of upsetting Australia hinged a lot on how the Auckland-based club was able to develop international players.

"I think they've been exceptional. The improvement in certain players has been outstanding," Freeman said.

"Daniel Anderson is doing a very good job with those boys. They've been unlucky in the last couple of weeks to lose a couple of games because they've been in position to win.

"But a lot of the players are putting their hands up and saying 'look at me, I want to play test match football for New Zealand."'

Barnett's absence against France means a new captain will be required, but Freeman said he had given that little thought.

"We've seen in the past what can happen with injuries and suspension, so that's a long way off.

"I'm just worrying about getting a base of 26 players together who can cover certain positions on the field. The captaincy will be decided further down the track."

- NZPA