Teen Says No To Nz Selectors

Illawarra Mercury

Monday April 19, 2004

BRISBANE teenager Karmichael Hunt turned down the opportunity to play rugby league for New Zealand after deciding he was too young for Test football.

The New Zealand Rugby League was poised to select the 17-year-old in their side for Friday night's Test against Australia at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

However, Hunt - who was contacted by NZRL chairman Selwyn Pearson yesterday afternoon - talked it over with his parents before declining selection.

It's understood the lure of State of Origin football and Hunt's tender age convinced the teenager to knock back the offer.

The Auckland-born Hunt would be ineligible for Queensland if he played for the Kiwis.

``Selwyn Pearson rang me this morning chasing Karmichael," Brisbane chief executive Bruno Cullen said.

``Obviously we would be happy for him if he was in the side and wanted to play because it's a great achievement.

``But he's a young fellow."

Hunt wasn't the only high-profile New Zealander to decline the opportunity to play for his country.

Warriors half-back Stacey Jones was also left out of the side.

It's understood Jones withdrew from selection because of his poor NRL form.

His clubmate Thomas Leuluai was preferred for the half-back role - one of five Warriors players in Daniel Anderson's squad.

``That's a bit of a shock but I am sure Daniel and Stacey have had a talk about that," prop Nathan Cayless said.

``At this point Stacey is not there but Thomas Leuluai is a very good player."