Hugh McGahan: Tri Nations puzzle is now the priority

Now that the Warriors have finished their season prematurely, the Tri Nations will soon be the focus for New Zealand.

High on coach Brian McClennan's and assistant Graham Norton's list for the next six weeks will be the availability of players and what combinations are likely before a squad is finalised.

I'm sure they would not have placed just 17 names down on a piece of paper and banked on them all being guaranteed selections - these guys know their craft so there will be a host of players in the mix for selection both in this hemisphere and in the UK.

If I'm correct, the numerous combinations would have included likely changes due to injury, suspension and lack of form. For instance, if Sonny Bill Williams was injured, and it looks like he will be, a replacement would come in. No problem. They are level-headed coaches and don't get caught up in the emotional aspects of football, or certainly don't let emotion select their team or let it affect the stability of the squad.

Then, why may I ask, are we getting all bothered and wound up about players not being available for the end-of-year series? It's the same merry-go-round the NZRL have to ride each year.

The Tri Nations coincides with the end of the year for clubs when repairs and maintenance is carried out.

You can't blame the clubs for wanting to look after the welfare of their players. What is an independent doctor going to asses for the NZRL - whether the player needs an operation at the end of the season or at the end of the Tri Nations?

The bottom line is that if an operation is required, then the club has every right to request their employee seeks it immediately.

The NZRL then needs to look at the make-up of the international programme.

We have said for a long time that it's the clubs who control their respective bodies, whether it's the NRL or Super League. The same bodies have their representatives on the international board and, because of their power, it's up to them to determine what happens with the international programme.

It has been to the benefit of both the NRL and Super League to have the Tri Nations at the end of season so it doesn't disrupt their competitions. If you want to have players available for the series, have it when the season is on, as rehab operations are not done during the season.

Of course, the clubs won't allow this so what's the point getting flustered over this issue? Build a bridge, get over it and look to what you can control in the lead-up to the competition, which includes giving motivation and a positive focus.

We already know about the Bulldogs players who need off-season operations, as well as the fact Benji Marshall will probably go under the knife. Thomas Leuluai is also out with a broken leg and Lance Hohaia is on the mend after his knee operation which all means it's a critical situation in the halves.

Who do the selectors look to as a replacement? Don't be surprised to see Stacey Jones pull on the Kiwi jersey again.