Rugby League World Cup: Why Warriors hooker Wayde Egan missed Kiwis squad
Kiwis coach Stacey Jones has revealed Warriors hooker Wayde Egan made himself unavailable for Rugby League World Cup selection.
Jeremy Marshall-King is the sole specialist hooker named in the 23-man squad for the tournament, starting with New Zealand v Australia in Sydney next Thursday.
Newcastle Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland has been omitted after copping a four-game ban for his hip drop tackle, which broke the ankle of Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary during the NRL preliminary final. Crossland missed the grand final and would have had to sit out the three World Cup pool games.
Egan is eligible to represent the Kiwis after living in Auckland for more than five years. He has represented the Warriors since 2019, but spent a couple of years in Australia with the side during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Jones, who coaches Egan as Warriors assistant, said he spoke to the hooker about selection.
“He’s got some commitment, so he couldn’t commit to the group right now. I’m comfortable with that, and Wayde’s comfortable with it as well. So the good thing is Wayde does become eligible. We weren’t quite sure where it was at and things, but right now he had other things that he had to look after.”
Jones said it was difficult leaving Crossland out but he could be called into the squad if injuries arise.
“Phoenix is part of our sort of next group down. So if we pick up any injuries, he could become available after a suspension.
“It was a bit of a tough one. He doesn’t get to play any of the pool games or anything like that. So, a little bit of juggling that. Jeremy Marshall-King has had a wonderful year, and someone like Te Maire Martin and Kodi Nikorima, Erin Clark, guys that can sort of do a back-up role.”
The Kiwis are also without last year’s starting halfback, Dylan Brown, who ruptured his ACL while playing for the Knights against the Roosters in July. It means Jahrome Hughes is the likely first-choice halfback.
Jones is confident they can manage the loss of two spine members.
“[Marshall-King] was our starting hooker last year and, unfortunately, got injured. Jahrome Hughes, a world-class player in his own right. And then, the back-up of other halves in there, Kodi, Te Maire [Martin], Keano Kini and Kalyn [Ponga], that can play so many different positions. So we’ll get into camp and work it out when we’re in there.”
Jones is elated to select fullback Ponga and centre Dane Gagai, who helped power the Knights into the NRL grand final. The pair switched their test allegiance from Australia to New Zealand this year after State of Origin selection criteria changed to allow players to represent Aotearoa.
“Two players that have come off a grand final and have had wonderful seasons. Dane Gagai, I spoke to him yesterday about what it means to him to be a part of the squad. And then Kalyn, who’s always wanted to represent the Kiwis. With the Origin rules, eligibility now for him makes it smoother. He’s keen to rip in.”
Jones said Ponga, Gagai and Roosters Dally M prop of the year Naufahu Whyte will have a controlled return to training, with less than two weeks between the grand final and the World Cup opener.
“That’s why we have sports science people involved in the Kiwis that can manage their load. So, yeah, no, it is adjusting to it and looking after them once they get into camp.”
Nathan Limm has been a journalist with Newstalk ZB and the NZ Herald since 2020. He covered the Netball World Cup in Cape Town in 2023, hosts The Big League Podcast and commentates rugby and netball for Gold Sport.