In 2014, he was named man of the match in the Four Nations Final where the Kiwis won and was also awarded the Golden Boot for best international player of the year. He was instrumental in the 2013 World Cup Semi-Final against England, where he stepped and skipped his way to score a try in the dying minutes. Blair applied fear to opposition forward packs and that is why he has to be a starter in this team.Įven though he has never played off the bench, Shaun Johnson is just too talented not to be picked in this team. His hard hits and frightening hit ups were a major part of the Kiwis game plan. He played when the Kiwis were at their best and Blair was an integral part of that New Zealand set up.
#JASON NIGHTINGALE RUGBY LEAGUE WING FULL#
In a side that leaned toward attack, Mannering was a brick wall on defence that tirelessly made tackles for the full 80 minutes, making him a must have in this squad.īlair is only the second player to play over 50 tests for the Kiwis. He played at centre, second row and lock for the Kiwis and was one of the best tacklers in the world throughout his career. Hugh McGahan is a legend and is deservedly getting a starting second row spot here.Ī hard-nosed versatile player, Simon Mannering was a key component in the golden era of New Zealand rugby league, winning the 2008 World Cup and the 2010 Four Nations. In the same year he was joint winner alongside Peter Sterling for the Golden Boot award for international player of the year. He captained the side in 17 Tests, including the shock win over Australia in 1987. McGahan holds the record for most tries in a Kiwis match, with six against PNG in 1983. New Zealand rugby league icon Hugh McGahan was a shining light for the Kiwis throughout the 1980’s. Benji holds the record for most games as Kiwis Captain with 22 tests and his flamboyant playing was a sight to see. He was the Captain and key player of New Zealand’s only ever World Cup winning side in 2008. Big Manu brought chronic fear into other international sides and is definitely one of New Zealand’s most talented rugby league players of all time.īenji Marshall – Captain (31 Tests, 9 Tries)Īrguably the greatest New Zealand rugby league player of all time, Benji Marshall electrified the world with his blistering speed and killer sidestep.
He played a vital role in both the 2005 Tri-Nations and 2008 World Cup victories, terrorising everyone in his path. Manu ‘The Beast’ Vatuvei holds the Kiwis’s try scoring record, with 22 tries, in only 28 tests. His combination with his winger would be unstoppable for any defence. Iro always seemed to play his best footy when playing for the Kiwis and that is why he is a must have in this side. Iro is a Kiwi rugby league legend, who dominated throughout the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, scoring 16 tries in 34 tests for New Zealand. ‘Pablo’ was a major part of the Kiwis 2005 Tri-Nations final win and is a must for this all-time side. He was a highly skilled player that played 10 tests or more in three different positions (Wing 10, Centre 14 and Five Eighth 14). Vagana is the Kiwis second top try scorer of all time and was an unstoppable force for opposition backlines. The Northcote Tigers junior’s 17 international tries on the wing makes him one of the Kiwi’s most prolific try scorers, earning him a spot in this side. He is best known for his two sensational tries in the 14-14 draw against Australia in 1993, where one was an incredible intercept. Even though he has only played 20 tests to date, Tuivasa-Sheck has already proven that he is New Zealand’s best ever fullback.įlying winger Sean Hoppe is a legend of New Zealand rugby league. Sheck won the Golden Boot award in 2019, something only three other New Zealanders have done. He played his first seven tests on the wing scoring eight tries, then he shifted to the fullback position permanently in 2015, where he scored six tries in 13 tests. RTS has made such a major impact for the Kiwis in such a short space of time, with his dazzling footwork and incredible kick returns. We have seen some incredible matches and feats throughout the history of the Kiwis so today, I have decided to attempt something almost impossible – pick the best Kiwis side from the past 40 years. They are currently the number one ranked nation in the world and have been one of the top-performers in international rugby league for their entire time of playing.
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