By PETER JESSUP
Tonie Carroll is on a hit-list of players that the New Zealand Rugby League will check the availability of for the end of year Tri Nations series.
Christchurch-born Carroll has twice jumped the representative fence, playing State of Origin in 1998-99 in the Kangaroos' selection process then representing New
Zealand at the 2000 World Cup, before rejecting the black jersey in 2001 to return to Origin football.
The NZRL is reluctant to talk about approaches to the 28-year-old, but it is believed ex-internationals and his former Kiwis team-mates have been involved in trying to sway him. They hope having proved himself in the Origin arena twice, he may be more interested in an international record.
Carroll's name coincidentally sits atop the list of Kiwis prospects, next to that of Karmichael Hunt, the Broncos listed first alphabetically. Both have asterisks beside their names to denote that it is uncertain if they will accept the approach to represent their country of birth.
The list of 58 NRL players with confirmed or possible New Zealand affiliation plus a similar list of 23 in England's Super League was compiled by Kiwis coach Daniel Anderson.
Also listed is Australian-born Brent Webb, the Warriors' fullback who qualifies for New Zealand because he has lived here for three consecutive years and has not played for Australia in that time.
Webb has in the past shunned talk of a possible Kiwis future and also suggested he would like to play for Queensland. Ironically, it may be Hunt's choice that closes or opens a hole for Webb, though Melbourne's Billy Slater appears to have a hold on the No 1 jersey for the Maroons for now.
Among other interesting possibilities on the lists are Auckland-born former Waratah Sam Harris, who is now with Manly; Eagles second rower Solomon Haumono, who played for Australia under Super League in 1997 but was also born in Auckland; Tigers form centre Dene Halatau, who was born in Invercargill; Melbourne's form prop Alex Chan, originally from Auckland; Knights centre George Carmont, who left Otahuhu for Newcastle for work and was picked up from lower grades; and Souths utility Willie Manu, who has a connection through his grandmother.
In the recent past, such exercises have turned up the Cayless brothers Nathan and Jason and Richard Swain, who played 18 tests for the Kiwis.
The NZRL is keen to avoid more embarrassments similar to the Hunt affair, when the Broncos fullback was chosen to play in the Anzac test in April but rejected the call-up, suggesting he was after an Origin jersey. The families of players identified will be involved in the process in future.
Each couple of weeks, each of the Kiwis selectors Daryl Halligan, Gary Mercer, Darrell Williams and Tony Iro is making up a 17 for Anderson to mull over. Names that consistently come to the fore will be checked for eligibility and availability.
Convener of selectors Keith Pitman will make sure of eligibility, then handle the approach to players.
WHO'S WHO
NRL players tagged for eligibility and availability checks
Broncos: Karmichael Hunt, Tonie Carroll.
Raiders: Ruben Wiki, Tyran Smith.
Cowboys: Paul Rauhihi, David Faiumu.
Sharks: Nigel Vagana, Andrew Lomu.
Eels: Nathan Cayless, Fui Fui Moi Moi, Aaron Cannings.
Roosters: Jason Cayless, Anthony Tupou.
Eagles: Solomon Haumono, Sam Harris, Kylie Leuluai.
Tigers: Bronson Harrison, Dene Halatau, Benji Marshall.
Bulldogs: Matt Utai, Jamaal Lolesi, Sonny Bill Williams, Hutch Maiava, Roy Asotasi, Reni Maitua, Willie Tonga, Jonathon Thurston.
Knights: George Carmont.
Storm: Stephen Kearney, David Kidwell, Alex Chan, Glen Turner.
Rabbitohs: David Fa'alogo, Willie Manu.
Dragons: Henry Perenara.
Panthers: Tony and Frank Puletua, Joe Galuvao, Paul Whatuira, Frank Pritchard, Peter Lewis.
Warriors: Brent Webb, Clinton Toopi, Jerome Ropati, Lance Hohaia, Stacey Jones, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Monty Betham, Sione Faumuina, Awen Guttenbeil, Vinnie Anderson, Karl Temata, Evarn Tuimavave, Epalahame Lauaki, Wairangi Koopu, Jerry Seuseu, Francis Meli, Thomas Leuluai.
Super League:
Bradford: Robbie Paul, Shontayne Hape, Tevita Vaikona, Toa Kohe-Love, Lesley Vainikolo, Joe Vagana, Logan Swann.
Castleford: Michael Smith, Motu Tony.
Hull: Richard Swain, Richie Barnett.
Widnes: Julian O'Neill.
Leeds: Ali Lauitiiti, Willie Poching.
Salford: Cliff Beverley.
St Helens: Willie Talau, Dom Feaunati.
Wakefield: David Solomona, Albert Talipeau, Semi Tadalala.
Warrington: Danny Lima, Henry Fa'afili.
Wigan: Craig Smith.
By PETER JESSUP
Tonie Carroll is on a hit-list of players that the New Zealand Rugby League will check the availability of for the end of year Tri Nations series.
Christchurch-born Carroll has twice jumped the representative fence, playing State of Origin in 1998-99 in the Kangaroos' selection process then representing New
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