Christy Doran
Did somebody say roadkill? The Kangaroos have been warned about a Kiwi steamroller heading their way on Thursday night in 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.
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.
Former England enforcer James Graham agreed: “Have they got the best four props? Not just as a group, but if you’re ranking the best props in the 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.”
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.
Fisher-Harris, however, does not want to get caught up in the off-field chat.
“I don’t really care what everyone is saying,” the humble Warriors captain said. “I know what we’ve got, but we need to get to work, bro.
“If anything, we know everyone can play big minutes. We’re chasing quality – quality and work ethic. This is not our first rodeo, so we’re looking forward to it.”
Raiders hardman Tapine is another who doesn’t want to get swept up in the headlines.
“You can’t just rely on a paper team,” he said. “We’ve got to go out and deliver, so we’ve been talking about 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.
It is difficult not to get excited about the collision coming on Thursday night in the World Cup 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.
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.
Whyte, who was named in the Dally M team of the year alongside Fisher-Harris, is even happy to come off the 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.
“Honestly … we come in with no thought of being the big dog,” Whyte said. “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. Everyone just goes out there doing their job.
“If that’s starting or coming off the bench, I’ll still put my best foot forward and do whatever it takes.”
Whyte is already licking his lips at the chance to play against a couple of his Roosters teammates.
Fullback James Tedesco and halfback Sam Walker aren’t yet assured of playing, but Whyte won’t spare anyone punishment.
“Anyone that’s wearing green and gold, I’m eyeing anyone now,” he said.
Despite the Kiwis’ big men wanting to let their actions do the talking, there’s an inner confidence and excitement brewing.
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. Now, he’s reached the summit.
“In 2023, he was our 18th man in all three games in the Pacific Championship,” Fisher-Harris said. “It’s just cool to see him get better and better each year at the Roosters and obviously in the international land.
“Right now, he’s probably the hardest to handle forward. It’s pretty cool to have him on our team.”
Tapine is another blown away by Whyte’s rapid 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’. He’s done it this year; he’s been the best in the comp,” the Raiders forward said.
While the Kiwis’ big four are looking forward to locking horns, they’re not the only ones.
Fit-again halfback Jahrome Hughes is another rubbing his hands together.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play with some pretty good forward packs, but I think the calibre of players that we have [in our] forward pack are right up there with the best,” said the Kiwi halfback.
“I’m really excited. I’m going to let them do their thing. I can just do mine by talking and helping the team around the park.”
With rugby league growing in popularity in New Zealand with the rise of the Warriors, the Kiwi big men want to continue to win the hearts and minds of the country’s youngsters.
“I remember the time when the boys won the 2008 World Cup; that still sits in my mind,” Fisher-Harris said. “It’s pretty cool. I was a kid then. I just hope little kids will be watching us soon.”
Tapine, too, wants to inspire the next generation.
“That’s always the goal for us,” he said. “I remember watching [Jared] Waerea-Hargreaves, Jesse Bromwich, and I want to do the same, and that’s our job to try and get that next generation through as well.”