We are approaching the critical point for the forthcoming tour of New Zealand, making sure that we have everyone available and we get them to the departure point on time is proving to be really difficult due to the fact that so many of the squad are currently operational and will be flying in from all over the world to meet up in the UK prior to departing.

We also currently have 10 first team players who will not be selected for various reasons (career courses, operational tours/commitments and even surgery), this provides a fantastic opportunity for some new and exciting talent to enter the fold and pull on the famous Brothers jersey. The average age of the squad will be 22 years which is also worth noting and I am especially looking forward to the debut of Mike Haldenby (wing or full back, ex East Hull) and Tommy Wilkinson (loose forward, ex Halifax RLFC). Indeed, Wilkinson will pass out of Initial Recruit Training (9 weeks) and then flies to NZ to join the tour party the very next day, how good is that? The loss of so many first teamers has actually motivated me further; I am really looking forward to rolling my sleeves up and getting down to some serious work with this group of players. I think that we have a very young and exciting squad that could really do well in this competition and they are all very eager to carve a reputation for themselves.

I will be naming a strong leadership team, POWEA Kev Botwood will be the Tour Captain and POPT James Barnes and SA Silivenusi Buinimasi will operate as Vice Captains and support. These players are individuals of considerable character and World Cup winners from 2008; they have serious credentials in the game and are the ideal choice to lead the Brothers. Commander Gareth Hughes will once again head the tour party and will be ably supported by Lt’s Mat Gee, Jase Steele and WO1 Keith Humpleby.
It also presents a great opportunity to link up with ‘Kiwi’ Mal Badham and I know we are all looking forward to that.

Finally, make sure you follow our progress on the website courtesy of Keith’s tour diary.

Kia Kaha,

Wayne Okell
Head Coach NZ 2010
RNRL Director Of Coaching