KEY POINTS:
Every year the NRL unearths a rising star and every year Kiwis coach Brian McClennan hopes it's going to be a New Zealander. The chances of that happening more regularly are slowly improving as more New Zealanders play in the Australian competition.
This weekend, for example, about 35
will play in the opening round, and scores of others are on the fringes hoping for their big break.
McClennan regularly rifles through the backgrounds of up-and-coming youngsters to check on their heritage, and he will get a better chance to do it more thoroughly when he travels to Sydney every fortnight with the Auckland Lions squad that will play in the NSW Premier League in 2007.
A handful of players McClennan already knows are loyal to the black and white jersey and who could soon make a big impression on the NRL include Jeremy Smith (Souths), Ben Roberts (Bulldogs), Terrence Seu Seu (Knights) and Rangi Chase (Dragons).
Crucially for McClennan, all four play in positions in which New Zealand have traditionally struggled for depth. Smith and Roberts are halfbacks, Seu Seu a hooker and Chase a hooker/halfback.
"These are good, positive signs for young players who could play for the Kiwis. We've always had good back rowers, and still do, but we haven't had a lot of halves and hookers, so it's really exciting."
Roberts has been told the halfback's jersey at the Bulldogs is his to lose and Smith is starting for Souths.
Little was known of Seu Seu only a month ago, but after form described as "blinding" by Australian media, he starts today in the absence of the suspended Danny Buderus.
"He is a player, that boy," coach Brian Smith said before offering the 19-year-old rake a contract extension until the end of 2009.
Seu Seu played for New Zealand A in 2006 and in that side was giant winger Shaun Kenny-Dowall, who makes his debut for the Roosters tomorrow night.
The 19-year-old was also offered a contract extension until the end of 2009.
"The length of contracts is a big pointer to how good these kids could be," McClennan said. "The next step for these guys is to not just play NRL but become dominant players at their club and, if they can do that, then the Kiwis are going to win more tests."
Terrence Seu Seu
Age: 19
Position: Hooker
Club: Newcastle Knights
2006 Rep honours: New Zealand A
Seu Seu is a former fullback who will make his debut for the Knights against the Bulldogs today. Two weeks ago he signed a contract extension with the club until the end of 2009 after impressive pre-season form.
Shaun Kenny-Dowall
Age: 19
Position: Wing
Club: Sydney Roosters
2006 Rep honours: NZA and Junior Kiwis
Although 195cm and 96kg, Kenny-Dowall is said to have speed to burn. He, too, has been signed up to his NRL club until the end of 2009. He arrived in Sydney with his family in 2004 in the hope of cracking the NRL.