NZRL Train On Process Confirmed

NZRL coaching staff and selectors have confirmed that players will be added to the expanded train-on squad for the Kiwis and NZ?A? as clubs are eliminated from the NRL and UK Super League competitions.

These squad additions will be released at 1pm Wednesday afternoon each week to allow time for various housekeeping tasks such as injury status confirmation, internal and club communication.

Kiwis coach Brian McClennan has the added challenge of monitoring players and communicating with selectors/advisors across three countries with the timing becoming particularly important once UK SuperLeague play-offs commence.

McClennan expects a tight Gillette Tri-Nations Battle suggesting the 2006 series will be one of the toughest.

And that?s not just because the Kiwis will go into the tournament as the defending champions.

McClennan?s men will get the chance to play in front of their home town fans across the country during this year?s series.

And the significance of this is something the coach will impress on his team as soon as they come into camp.

Just to be in front of a home crowd is very important especially given the fact that we very rarely play at home these days,? McClennan said.

If you sat down with any Kiwi who had played more than 10 tests and asked them how many they had played at home they?d probably answer less than 20 percent.

That?s just the way the world of rugby league is and we accept that.

This time ? the first since 1989 ? we get to play three at home.

How exciting is that.

I?ll be talking to the boys about the importance of playing well in front of your home crowd because it doesn?t happen very often.?

With the start of the Gillette Tri-Nations tournament just around the corner the excitement is building for what is set to be one of the closest competitions in international league history.

The Australians will be strong as usual,? McClennan said.

And the Great Britain team is going to be really exciting.

They?re used to playing in summer conditions now.

Normally when the Great Britain team came down to New Zealand to play there used to be white legs and red faces.

They were used to playing in the winter, so I think they?ll be the dark horses.

It?s going to be an exciting series. We?re excited about it and we?re looking for it.?