Kiwi's are a bunch of hypocrites

[DeeGan]

Kiwis a bunch of hypocrites
By Dean Ritchie
May 3, 2006

AUSTRALIA Ricky Stuart and his angry players last night labelled their New Zealand counterparts hypocrites after it was revealed five members of the Kiwis squad were born in Australia.

The Kangaroos were outraged that New Zealand players and coach Brian McClennan fired barbs at young fullback Karmichael Hunt, who accepted an Australia jumper despite being born across the Tasman.

Kiwis interchange Frank Pritchard was born in Sydney, Brent Webb in Cairns, Jake Webster in Melbourne and Jason and Nathan Cayless in western Sydney.

Pritchard and Webster were particularly vocal in their criticism of Hunt's decision.

"I thought New Zealanders were smarter than that," Stuart said.

"The New Zealanders came out and bagged Karmichael, but five of their players were born right here in Australia. I think it smells of hypocrisy.

"I see Frank Pritchard was fairly heavy on Karmichael this week. I understand Frank was born in Darlinghurst, in the centre of Sydney. Jake Webster also had a shot. He was born in Melbourne.

"Karmichael took the toughest road possible to play at Test level. He could quite easily have taken the softer option and played for New Zealand, but he stood by his convictions and for that, I admire him.

"Karmichael Hunt deserves all the reawrds that come his way. He'll be great for us on Friday night," added Stuart. Kangaroos players have been fired up by New Zealand's criticism of Hunt.

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"You don't hear Aussies slagging off at those blokes (born here and representing New Zealand) for their decisions," forward Willie Mason said.

"You don't see us crying and whinging about them pledging their allegiance. They think they're Kiwis, Karmichael thinks he's an Aussie."

Mason's Bulldogs teammate Mark O'Meley added: "Karmichael has made a decision based on where he started his footy and where he wants to be.

"It's his decision, not anyone else's.

"It's like the Australians who go over there and play for New Zealand, blokes like Webb and Webster.

"We don't give them any stick, so why should Karmichael have to cop this?"

O'Meley said the Kangaroos were determined to protect Hunt, 19, on the field.

"We play as a team and a unit," O'Meley said.

"We all look after each other and it won't be any different on Friday night."

Winger Timana Tahu said: "He's entitled to make his own decision."

Skipper Darren Lockyer said: "If Karmichael feels he's Australian and he wants to play for Australia, then that's his decision.

"You've got to look at the same scenario as Brent Webb for the Kiwis as well."

Nathan Cayless, the Parramatta captain, was named in the New Zealand squad but was yesterday overlooked for a spot among the final 17 men.

Despite New Zealand's Tri-Nations success last year, Australia will start $1.20 favourites at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night with the Kiwis at $4.10 with TAB Sportsbet.

The Daily Telegraph

Great point by Stuart and a great return of serve. We could of carried on like port chops when we lost Brent Webb (QLD'er) who is now entrenched in the NZ fullback position - we chose to wish him the best on his chosen path.

Those who are now converted NZ fans, where do you stand now?

Your supporting a NZ team with an Australian fullback as opposed to a Australian team with a Kiwi fullback? Hmm...

GO AUSTRALIA!

[Queenslander]

Totally off topic, but I wonder if Webb and Hunt will swap jersey's at the end of the game

[DeeGan]

Totally off topic, but I wonder if Webb and Hunt will swap jersey's at the end of the game

Rumour has it they are swapping teams at half time

[Dakink]

Good return there from Stuart - I dont mind Hunt choosing his allegiance - as they say he now has to play there. Same as Webb, Cayless and co - they feel true to the Black jersey and good on them for choosing.

[Go_The_Doggies]

Ricky Stuart obvously doesnt check his facts. As all 5 players have NZ blood..even Webby his grandmother is kiwi...so im told...

Geez ricky stop whinging ffs.

[Dakink]

Ricky Stuart obvously doesnt check his facts. As all 5 players have NZ blood..even Webby his grandmother is kiwi...so im told...

Geez ricky stop whinging ffs.

What difference does that make - all he was saying is that they have Australian born players in their line up - which they do!! Need to take the Black and White glasses off for a sec...

[Go_The_Doggies]

What difference does that make - all he was saying is that they have Australian born players in their line up - which they do!! Need to take the Black and White glasses off for a sec...

Yes but he's also saying we're being hypocrites for wanting to smash khunt, when he has no australian blood, well not as far as i know. Where as yes these players were born in australia they are still New Zealanders, with New Zealand blood...

And im not being bias when i say this either, but i dont see how they're being hypocrites.

[Dakink]

Interestinf read from a net search;

Tuesday April 20, 05:46 AM 2004

Meanwhile, it emerged that Brisbane's Karmichael Hunt wasn't the only player to turn his back on New Zealand, with NZRL chairman Selwyn Pearson confirming he had approached another NRL fullback to find out whether he was available for Friday night's game at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

It's understood that player was Brent Webb, who like Hunt stated his desire to play State of Origin football for Queensland.

Pearson was ropeable, calling on the ARL to allow New Zealanders to play in the Origin series.

"What I am saying is it's undermining the international program," Pearson said.

"I could ring up 100 blokes and they could be eligible for the Kiwis and State of Origin. Why should State of Origin stop them playing for the Kiwis?"

And wasnt Brent Webb an Australian until he went to play for the Warriors?

Lived there for a few years - got citizenshiop and hey presto! He's a fullblooeded kiwi? (I may be wrong - using my world famous memory here)

[DeeGan]

Interestinf read from a net search;



And wasnt Brent Webb an Australian until he went to play for the Warriors?

Lived there for a few years - got citizenshiop and hey presto! He's a fullblooeded kiwi? (I may be wrong - using my world famous memory here)

He was, QLD born and bred qualifying for NZ under the 2yr residency rule. tony Martin is also entertaining the thought of making himself available for NZ.

[Dakink]

Where as yes these players were born in australia they are still New Zealanders, with New Zealand blood...

LOL - Where is the Kiwi blood there?

[Teegy]

This is why im such a firm supporter of where you are born is where you play. it would get rid of all these misunderstandings and aruements

[Townsville Titan]

So true... you cant call yourself a Kiwi and represent Australia... its like George W Bush representing Sadam!!!

[Social Loafer]

Difference here is that the "aussies" playing for NZ, probably wouldn't make the Australian team....

[Go_The_Doggies]

LOL - Where is the Kiwi blood there?

The Cayless boys have been brought up in a very passionate kiwi family, most of their family is back living here, their parents are kiwis, so its impossible for them not to have kiwi blood, same with frank pritchard.

Jake Webbster, his father is a kiwi, was brought up a kiwi...webbster always supported the kiwis as a young kid..i see kiwi blood there..

And well webb, im not sure if his grand mother is kiwi *is confused* thats just what i was told...

[Go_The_Doggies]

Its no different to Willie Mason representing australia, he was born in auckland. Or its no different to Hazem playing for australia, he was born in lebenon.