Five Newcomers Abuzz About Test Debuts

Five Newcomers Abuzz About Test Debuts

Sydney, Australia, October 11 – For five players, the Kiwis’ one-off Test against Australia on Sunday can’t come soon enough.

Kevin Locke, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Gerard Beale, Russell Packer and Alex Glenn all learnt yesterday that they would be making their Test debuts at Ausgrid Stadium in Newcastle this weekend.

Of the quintet, Broncos second rower Glenn (23) had been close to selection twice before without making it onto the field. He was part of the Kiwis’ squad for the 2009 and 2010 Anzac Tests but missed selection for those matches and for the Four Nations tournaments later in each of those seasons.

“I never gave up hoping and just kept working,” he said.

“It was great being around the Kiwis in 2009 and 2010 but I always dreamed of going that one step further and pulling on the jersey to play for my country. To be making my debut against the Aussies this weekend is unbelievable.

“This means so much to me, to my family and my friends. I can’t wait to get into it.”

Glenn, a product of Auckland’s Northcote club, played for the Cook Islands last year and was in the Junior Kiwis side that beat the Junior Kangaroos in 2007.

He went past 50 NRL games this season, becoming a fixture for Brisbane as a second row partner for the experienced Sam Thaiday.

Vodafone Warriors fullback Locke (22), another Northcote player in his younger years, toured England and France with the Kiwis the last time the Four Nations was played in the Northern Hemisphere in 2009. He’d just come off his rookie NRL season but didn’t play a Test during the campaign.

“It was a cool experience being part of the Kiwis even though I didn’t get to play in 2009,” he said.

“I learnt a lot then and I’ve kept working at trying to improve my game. This year has been amazing getting to play in the grand final and now it’s topped off by being given my Test debut. I’m stoked for everyone who has supported me over the years.”

While Locke, who represented New Zealand Maori against England last year, also brought up his 50th NRL appearance this season, his club-mate Packer is nearing 80 NRL games despite just turning 22 on Sunday.

Like Locke he played for New Zealand Maori last year and this year missed just one of the Vodafone Warriors’ 28 matches, taking his career tally to 77. The Foxton product was beaming today.

“I came to the Vodafone Warriors a few years ago dreaming of becoming a professional footballer and hopefully one day representing my country,” he said.

“Just being selected in the touring squad was a buzz but to find out only a day after coming into camp that I’d be making my debut so soon is massive. I just want to get out there. It’s the biggest moment of my career so far.”

Brisbane utility Beale (21) also had a taste of the Kiwi camp when he was 19th man for this year’s Anzac Test in Robina. While he was eligible for either Australia or New Zealand there was never any doubt about his allegiance.

“I only ever wanted to represent New Zealand,” he said.

“I was so proud to be in the squad for the Anzac Test this year. It was an amazing experience becoming part of the brothers and the culture the Kiwis have.

“But now to be playing for the Kiwis against the Kangaroos … it’s incredible. It’s why you play the game.”

Faifai Loa (21), called into the Kiwis only last Friday, has found everything happening so quickly. After playing his junior football for Marist in Auckland, he linked with Newcastle before signing with St George Illawarra. He briefly tasted NRL football with the Dragons last year before linking with the Cowboys this season, where he established himself scoring 10 tries in 22 games.

“It’s all been unreal for me,” he said.

“I was called into the Kiwis only late last week and found out a few days later I’ll be playing my first Test against Australia.

“I couldn’t be happier and just want to repay my family and friends for all the support they’ve given me.”

Faifai Loa is set to become Kiwi No 766, Beale 767, Packer 768 and Glenn 769.

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