One of the most influential players at the Warriors and a long-time Kiwis standout has revealed he won't be returning to the Kiwis jersey when New Zealand play their next league international. Michael Burgess reports.
Unless there is a major change of heart, Tohu Harris has played his last gamefor the Kiwis.
International league hasn't been on the agenda for almost two years, due to the Covid chaos, but when it does eventually return, don't expect to see Harris in the Black and White V.
After nine punishing seasons in the NRL, the Warriors forward wants to prioritise his club football and pass the torch to the next Kiwis generation.
"I haven't thought about it [international football] in a long time," Harris told the Herald earlier this year. "I've just been focusing on club footy and trying to build something here.
"That has been all my focus and then any time I can get away from the club, it's just spending as much time with my family as I can and enjoying that."
Tohu Harris wants to spend time with the Warriors and his family, as opposed to the Kiwis. Photo / Photosport
Harris has been a key part of the Warriors rebuild over the last two seasons and exerts a massive influence on and off the field.
He was the club's 2020 player of the year, and before the ACL injury that ended this year's campaign, was probably headed for another gong.
The 29-year-old has been exceptional in a hybrid role.
He is able to play massive minutes, switching between prop, lock and back rower. Harris sets the standard defensively but is also one of the most skilful forwards on attack, able to read play like few others.
"I want to make sure I am here and not missing time," explained Harris. "Because I want this club to be successful. Balancing international football [with club commitments] is hard to do. It's hard to spend as much time as possible when you are doing both."
Harris says Kiwis coach Michael Maguire understands his situation.
"I don't think he will call me," said Harris. "I think it is at the point where he is leaving me be. I wouldn't be expecting a call."
Harris was part of an exceptional era, even though his Kiwis career ultimately only spanned four seasons.
He was a key member of the 2014 Four Nations squad that swept the tournament, beating Australia (twice), England and Samoa.
That success was backed up the following year, when the Kiwis stunned the Kangaroos 26-12 in Brisbane for a rare Anzac test triumph.
With Greg Inglis, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith in the opposition, it was one of the most impressive performances of the modern era. That Kiwis side also became the first to record three consecutive wins over the Kangaroos, since the celebrated 1952-53 side coached by Jim Amos.
Harris made his international debut in 2013 in the Anzac test match, before being a controversial last-minute exclusion for the World Cup, after Sonny Bill Williams had a famous change of heart.
He was back the following year for the Anzac match, his versatility illustrated when he was picked at five eighth. Harris scored a try as a green Kiwis team pushed their heavily favoured opponents before eventually going down 30-18.
The Hawke's Bay product played every game on the 2015 tour of England. He was also an ever-present for the Kiwis' 2016 Four Nations campaign.
His last appearance for his country came at Anfield on that tour, in the 34-8 defeat to the Australia in the final.
Since then he has been dogged by injury, unable to add to his 16 tests.
Shoulder and foot problems ruled him out of the 2017 World Cup, while a knee injury scratched him from the 2018 tour of England. He wasn't in contention for the home series against the British Lions in 2019, due to a stress fracture in his foot that had curtailed his club season.
The Kiwis have plenty of depth, especially in the pack, and coach Maguire won't lack for options when he finally gets the chance to select another team.
But Harris remains one of the premier forwards in the NRL – and a great influence on emerging players – and will leave a considerable void.
Tohu Harris in the Kiwis
Debut: v Australia, April 19th 2013 Nine tests v Kangaroos Five tests v England One test v Samoa One test v Scotland
