That’s what the team might as well read for the Australian Kangaroos match against New Zealand in the rugby league International next week. What is the value of a Kangaroo jersey?
With a number of injuries, the selectors and the coach have looked to the future Kangaroos and bolstered their side with a number of rookies and unproven debutants. I am baffled with the selection of Greg Bird as five-eighth when he does not even play there for his own club.
Controversy and nepotism is always in the mind of the coach and the selectors as Bird has only been selected because Ricky Stuart is the coach. With a lack of quality halves in the game, the Clive Churchill medal winner should have been paired with his Melbourne halves partner Cooper Cronk instead of being left on the wing.
Israel Folau has had an almighty introduction to rugby union but does he really deserve an Australian jersey? Questionable in my mind leaving Jamie Lyon, Steven Bell and Matt Cooper without jerseys in favor for the teenager.
Melbourne have been rewarded with most players being selected in the Australian team. No doubt their players have all had excellent seasons and do deserve their opportunity but the balance of the team does not reflect the best, available players in the country.
International Rugby League is a waste of time and this spring’s one off test will do nothing to the development of the International game while the players should be kicking their heels on the beaches, enjoying a beer and the off season.
