Did somebody say roadkill?
asserted
somebody → say → roadkill
The Kangaroos have been warned about a Kiwi steamroller heading their way on Thursday night in Sydney.
asserted
steamroller → warn → Sydney
In props Naufahu Whyte, captain James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota and Joseph Tapine, the Kiwis might have the best collection of props in the country’s history.
uncertain
Kiwis → have → history
That’s certainly the belief of NRL premiership-winning coach Shane Flanagan
“There’s no stronger forward pack,” Flanagan said last week on The Bye Round podcast.
asserted
Flanagan → ’ → podcast
Former England enforcer James Graham agreed: “Have they got the best four props?
asserted
they → agree → props
Not just as a group, but if you’re ranking the best props in the world …
asserted
you → rank → world
I think Naufahu Whyte has been the best prop this year, and you could make a strong case that positions two, three and four would be filled by Tapine, Leota and Fisher-Harris.
uncertain
two → think → Tapine
And after Lindsay Collins was ruled out through injury, the Kangaroos pack looks a bit light on in the middle, despite still having Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Keaon Koloamatangi and Patrick Carrigan in their ranks.
asserted
pack → rule → ranks
Fisher-Harris, however, does not want to get caught up in the off-field chat.
asserted
Harris → want → chat
“I don’t really care what everyone is saying,” the humble Warriors captain said.
asserted
captain → care → what
“I know what we’ve got, but we need to get to work, bro.
asserted
we → know → work
“If anything, we know everyone can play big minutes.
asserted
everyone → know → minutes
We’re chasing quality – quality and work ethic.
asserted
We → chase → quality
This is not our first rodeo, so we’re looking forward to it.”
asserted
we → look → it
Raiders hardman Tapine is another who doesn’t want to get swept up in the headlines.
asserted
who → want → headlines
“You can’t just rely on a paper team,” he said.
asserted
he → rely → team
“We’ve got to go out and deliver, so we’ve been talking about that.
asserted
we → get → that
Just don’t ask Leota about Kayln Ponga’s hit that floored the Panthers prop during the preliminary final.
“Ronaldo’s given me shit, but he’s [Ponga] a humble dude, and I’m excited to see him play for us,” Leota said.
asserted
Leota → ask → us
It is difficult not to get excited about the collision coming on Thursday night in the World Cup opener.
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It → get → opener
While State of Origin has long been seen as the pinnacle of rugby league, the relaxation of international eligibility laws to equalise the talent across the game has been a boost for Test football in recent years.
asserted
relaxation → see → years
The Kiwis’ big four are sure to figure in Australia’s planning for Thursday night, with the need to negate the strength in the middle of the field crucial to victory.
asserted
need → figure → victory
Whyte, who was named in the Dally M team of the year alongside Fisher-Harris, is even happy to come off the bench.
asserted
who → name → bench
It’s a scary prospect given the destruction he caused this year, including in the Roosters’ 19-18 grand final win over the Knights.
asserted
he → ’ → Knights
“Honestly … we come in with no thought of being the big dog,” Whyte said.
asserted
Whyte → come → thought
“We may be that at our individual clubs, but once we put this black jersey on, there’s no ego, there’s no one who’s meant to be the top dog in our forward pack.
uncertain
who → put → pack
Everyone just goes out there doing their job.
asserted
Everyone → go → job
“If that’s starting or coming off the bench, I’ll still put my best foot forward and do whatever it takes.”
asserted
it → start → whatever
Whyte is already licking his lips at the chance to play against a couple of his Roosters teammates.
asserted
Whyte → lick → teammates
Fullback James Tedesco and halfback Sam Walker aren’t yet assured of playing, but Whyte won’t spare anyone punishment.
asserted
Whyte → assure → punishment
“Anyone that’s wearing green and gold, I’m eyeing anyone now,” he said.
asserted
he → wear → anyone
Despite the Kiwis’ big men wanting to let their actions do the talking, there’s an inner confidence and excitement brewing.
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actions → want → talking
Fisher-Harris presented Whyte with his debut jersey a few years ago, hoping that he would one day take over the mantle as the side’s enforcer.
asserted
he → present → enforcer
Now, he’s reached the summit.
asserted
he → reach → summit
“In 2023, he was our 18th man in all three games in the Pacific Championship,” Fisher-Harris said.
asserted
Harris → say → Championship
“It’s just cool to see him get better and better each year at the Roosters and obviously in the international land.
asserted
him → ’ → land
“Right now, he’s probably the hardest to handle forward.
asserted
he → ’ → ?
It’s pretty cool to have him on our team.”
asserted
It → ’ → team
Tapine is another blown away by Whyte’s rapid rise.
asserted
Tapine → blow → rise
“We were in camp last year together, and I said, ‘Man, he’ll be the best front row in the next three to four years’.
asserted
he → say → years
He’s done it this year; he’s been the best in the comp,” the Raiders forward said.
asserted
forward → do → comp
…and 13 more, not listed.
The Aporia
