Jared Waerea-Hargreaves unsure whether or not he’ll take part in Denver Test for Kiwis
JARED Waerea-Hargreaves isn’t shy about expressing his passion for the Kiwis, he is as proud as they come. But the Roosters forward is undecided on whether on not he’ll travel to Denver in June.
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JARED Waerea-Hargreaves isn’t shy about expressing his passion for the Kiwis, he is as proud as they come.
But the Roosters forward told The Daily Telegraph he hasn’t decided if he’ll play in the Denver Test for New Zealand against England in June.
“I’m a proud Kiwi. I always love representing my country,” he said.
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“But for me it’s just important to do my role each week for my club here at the Roosters.
“I haven’t had that chat [with coach Trent Robinson]. I have been worrying about my game here at the club. I guess if that opportunity came I’ll make that decision there and then.”
Some NRL clubs remain hesitant about throwing their full support behind the international fixture because of player welfare concerns and fears it will cause major disruptions.
Top of the table sides South Sydney, St-George Illawarra and the Warriors all face the prospect of having to rest their biggest stars with round 16 of the NRL kicking off only three days after players are scheduled to fly back to Australia.
Waerea-Hargreaves conceded the lack of support is disappointing but he says it will be on the shoulders of the individual player to decide if they are willing to make the sacrifice to play for their country.
“To see clubs not back the players … it’s up to the individual or the clubs themselves I guess,” he said.
“I guess the individual player will make that decision at the end of the day. Whether they are going to put their hand up for the Kiwis or not it’s totally up to them.”
The Denver Test will be the first assignment for new coach Michael Maguire.
The former Rabbitohs and premiership winning coach beat the likes of Laurie Daley and Des Hasler for the top job.
Waerea-Hargreaves says he is excited about what a coach of Maguire’s caliber brings to the table, especially after a disappointing quarterfinals exist at last year’s Rugby League World Cup.
“I think it’s amazing. I’m excited to see what Madge can do with the Kiwis,” he said.
“I think he strives for success. He’ll be really good.
“I’ve never been coached by him in the past but I have heard good things. I’m looking forward to seeing strive for the black jersey.”
But for now the 22-test veteran is solely focused on giving his best to the Roosters who will be without forwards Dylan Napa and Boyd Cordner during the Origin period.
While replacing Cordner and Napa won’t be an easy take for coach Trent Robinson, the tricolours enforcer says it’s the perfect opportunity for those up-an-coming in the forward stocks, like Nat Butcher and Sitili Tupouniua to prove their NRL credentials.
“I always love this time of the year when we sort of lose a few troops, we’ve done it for however ever long I’ve been at the club but it’s always a great challenge,” he said.
“For us it’s just important to get the young guys in around the joint. Keep it simple and get out there and really enjoy the weeks the senior players aren’t here and really enjoy the guys the guys that have been on the cusp.”
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