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'The door is always open' - Kiwis coach says Jason Taumalolo and other defectors welcome back

May 10, 2018

Michael Maguire said he wants the best players to play for New Zealand.

New Kiwis coach Michael Maguire has revealed at yesterday's press conference that he wants the best players to represent New Zealand, that message was aimed at NRL star Jason Taumalolo who last year opted to represent Tonga at the Rugby League World Cup.

Maguire was announced the head coach for the Kiwis and said he would like to consider Taumalolo for his squad ahead of next month's Test in Denver against England.

"Look I think the door is always open to players," said Maguire.

"I think someone like Jason, he has played a lot of his career in and around the New Zealand juniors.

"The fact that he has played a lot of his football here I think to leave the door open for a great player, there is always an opportunity."

Maguire also said there is room to welcome back players such as Manu Ma'u, David Fusitu'a and Sio Siua Taukeiaho who followed Taumalolo in choosing Tonga over the Kiwis.

"There are great opportunities for many players now moving forward.

"I want to talk to those players in fact I want to talk to all players. I've got quite an array of relationships with many different players across the game."

The NRL premiership winning coach said he wants to form a close relationships with players and rebuild the New Zealand rugby league side.

"To find out what they (players) feel and how they think about what's moving forward, ultimately at the end of the day everyone is accountable and there are leadership groups within teams now.

"The players themselves need to decide 'well what do we want to build for the jersey?' because moving forward that's the number one respect that we have got to have."

England are scheduled to face the Kiwis on June 23 at Mile High Stadium.

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