Junior Wheel Blacks set for Aussie League

Development teams have always been an integral part of New Zealand Wheelchair Rugby. However, the latest team is a little different, due to the competition it has been entered into. Instead of bringing a team together for a one off competition or tour, such as the Brisbane Bash team in ’05 or the USA tour team in ’06, there is now a NZ development team entered in the Australian National Wheelchair Rugby League (NWRL). Thus, the same team will be together for three tournaments in one year. All going well, the selection of a development team for the league will be a regular, annual occurrence. This means the team has time to gel together and create its own, ongoing culture. While the team can be regarded as a stepping stone for the Wheel Blacks, it is also a tier of rugby to strive for in its own right. Like the Junior All Blacks, this team is an entity unto itself.

The team that as been selected for 2007 is: Steve Smith (Auckland), Cameron Leslie (Auckland), Tim Johnson (Auckland), Jai Waite (Auckland), Riki Foulsham (Canterbury), Steve Hannen (Canterbury) and Dave Klinkhamer (Waikato).

The team brings together a mix of players from very experienced to fresh on the scene and everything in between. Although the purpose of the team is development, the competition level is so high in the Australian League, senior players such as Tim Johnson and Jai Waite are needed to anchor the team.

Jai will also captain the team. Jai was chosen not just for his on court capabilities, but also for the high EQ and the social skills he exudes off the court. A team that gets along well together off court usually plays well together on court. With this in mind, Jai has been entrusted to bring the team together to ensure they have a memorable time together over the course of the season.

Three other New Zealand players are also representing teams in the NWRL. Geremy Tinker will suit up for Western Australia; Sholto Taylor will complete with South Australia; and Dan Buckingham will play for Victoria. With a total of 10 New Zealand players across the ditch, this has also opened the door for exhibition matches to be played between the two countries. With details still being formulated, the idea is for one NZ vs. Australia game to be played during each round of the league.

Staff will also be developed through this league. Greg Mitchell has been selected for the first round in Adelaide after being a regular lifter/shifter and a player for Canterbury and at New Zealand training camps. Yvonne Mackie will travel as carer for the team. Barry Hislop rounds off the staffing trio as Team Manager and Coach. The staff for rounds two and three are yet to be finalised.