Kiwis' Mannering backs Pasifika tri-series
Nov 12, 2017 - 2:38 AM Kiwis veteran Simon Mannering has expressed his support for a Pacific Islands tri-series tournament or for regular Test matches against Samoa, Tonga and Fiji in the wake of his side's historic 28-22 loss to Mate Ma'a.Armed with their four Kiwi defectors, including Jason Taumalolo, Tonga overpowered the Kiwis in the second half and ran out deserved winners.
They're the first tier-two nation in history to beat a tier-one opponent, and have topped their Rugby League World Cup pool with three wins from as many games.
Mannering, gregarious in defeat, said it was a pity to lose to Mate Ma'a but felt the result could only be positive for international rugby league.
While State of Origin tends to hog the headlines in Australia, he felt New Zealand could host the Pasifika sides for Tests on a more regular basis.
He also said Kiwi defectors including Taumalolo, David Fusitu'a and Sio Siua Taukeiaho should stick with Tonga for the sake of the Test-level game.
"It's to our detriment today that Tonga beat us but I always thought (about) how good it'd be for our game, for the second-tier nations to beat top-tier nations -- unfortunately it was us today," the Warriors-based veteran NRL lock told reporters.
"But hey, if the Pacific Island teams get to choose their strongest teams and we can create an international game where (we're) not having to rely on England or Australia to get tournaments going, we could play Tonga in a three-match series here or Samoa, or a tri-series.
"If they have their strongest teams, they're competitive."
The Kiwis' loss sees them finish second in Pool B, and places them on a collision course with Cup favourites Australia in the semi-finals.
But first they must overcome the Bati in Wellington.
"We'll move on," Mannering said.
"Good things for rugby league today but, for the Kiwis, we've got to pick ourselves up and really show something next week."
Source: AAP
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- NZ can turn tables on Jillaroos: coach Dec 1
- Ferns' Fotu-Moala claims World Cup gong Nov 29
- Hireme spearheads NZ's WC semi win Nov 26
- Kiwi Ferns shaky despite 38-0 PNG win Nov 22
- England coach backs Kiwis to rebound Nov 21
- Kiwis apologise for post-loss comments Nov 21
- Jillaroos on alert for 'Honey Bill' Nov 21
- NZ thrash Cook Islands in women's RL Nov 19
- Kiwis' future promising despite RLWC exit Nov 18
- Kiwis back coach Kidwell despite RLWC loss Nov 18
- Fiji upset NZ in tryless World Cup quarter Nov 18
- Kiwis fighting for RLWC survival Nov 17