Nz Wish Villasanti Luck In Australia

Illawarra Mercury

Tuesday September 30, 2003

By DARREN WALTON

NEW Zealand Rugby League boss Selwyn Pearson yesterday wished Warriors revelation Richard Villasanti all the best after he was added to the train-on squad for Australia's end-of-season tour of England and France.

The hard-hitting Villasanti had been the subject of a trans-Tasman tug-of-war since bursting to life over the closing stages of the 2003 NRL season.

But the 23-year-old forward has since confirmed his allegiance to Australia.

``We've had a chat and Richard said his dream has always been to play State of Origin," Pearson said.

``He can't play State of Origin and for New Zealand and we thanked him for his honesty.

``I respect his decision and we wish him all the best for the future.

``But I also told him that I would never stop wanting him to wear the Kiwi jumper."

Villasanti represented the Junior Kiwis in 1999 on the strength of having a New Zealand grandmother but is also eligible to play for Australia because he was born in Canberra.

Under international rules, if Villasanti is picked in the final 23-man Kangaroos squad next Monday, he wouldn't be eligible to play for New Zealand at senior level for another two years or the next World Cup, whichever comes earlier.

The date for the next World Cup has not been set.

Villasanti was the only Warrior named in the train-on squad after the club's season-ending 28-20 loss to Penrith at Telstra Stadium on Sunday.

Bulldogs Hazem El Masri, Brent Sherwin, Mark O'Meley, Steve Price and Willie Mason were also added after their 28-18 defeat at the hands of the Sydney Roosters on Saturday night.

Players already in Kangaroos train-on squad:

Parramatta - Nathan Hindmarsh

St George Illawarra - Mark Gasnier

North Queensland - Matt Sing

Cronulla - Brett Kimmorley, Phil Bailey

Wests Tigers - John Skandalis

Manly - Steve Menzies

Newcastle - Ben Kennedy, Timana Tahu, Danny Buderus, Steve Simpson, Josh Perry

Brisbane - Gorden Tallis, Darren Lockyer, Shane Webcke, Brent Tate, Petero Civoniceva, Shaun Berrigan, Michael De Vere, Dane Carlaw

Canberra - Luke Davico, Ryan O'Hara

Melbourne - Robbie Kearns, Matt Orford, Matt Geyer.