Randle's future in balance

By CHRIS RATTUE

Waikato and Chiefs wing Roger Randle has suffered a major setback in his recovery from an Achilles tendon injury and is likely to miss next year's Super 12.

There are even doubts over the tryscoring whiz - a fixture in Waikato and the Chiefs since 1998 - ever returning to rugby, though Randle is determined to make a comeback.

The 29-year-old, a non-test All Black in 2001, will probably require a tendon reconstruction - his fourth operation - on the injury suffered against the Stormers in late April. A scan next month will determine if Randle needs foot tendon grafted on to the injured left leg tendon.

In the unlikely event the tendon is regenerating, making an operation unnecessary, Randle could be fit for January training.

Randle said yesterday: "It would be an operation similar to (New Zealand Warriors) Awen Guttenbeil. Awen told me it does ache but it's the least of his injury worries.

"Originally I hoped to sneak back at the end of the NPC, but I've had three setbacks. I've had to come to grips with it ... but I can't wait to get back on the field."

Randle, who is off contract this season, believes he "still has something to offer New Zealand rugby" but did not rule out looking overseas.

Randle ruptured the tendon scoring his first try of the 2003 season in round 10. An infection forced a second operation, and he underwent a third operation last week.

The Waikato NPC squad, announced yesterday, includes wing Soseni Anesi who was a national sevens contender in 2002 before knee injuries struck.

It also includes former Counties Manukau captain and Chiefs flanker Wayne McEntee, ex-Bay of Plenty lock/flanker Dave Duley, star national under-19 loose forward Liam Messam, and divisional loose forward Daniel Alofa from King Country.

Rowing great Rob Waddell is in Waikato B.

Waikato: Backs - Todd Miller, Loki Crichton, David Johnston, Soseni Anesi, Matthew Priscott, Regan King, Keith Lowen, Haden Hireme, Derek Maisey, David Hill, Isaac Boss, Rhys Duggan; forwards -- Steven Bates, Liam Messam, Wayne McEntee, Scott Couch, Daniel Alofa, Jono Gibbes (c), Sean Hohneck, Dave Duley, Chresten Davis, Keith Robinson (vc), Deacon Manu, Michael Collins, David Briggs, Greg Smith, Scott Linklater.