All Blacks: Scott Robertson reveals NRL interest in rookie with ‘natural ability’
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson and back-row Wallace Sititi.
After shining during the All Blacks’ recent Rugby Championship campaign, rookie back-row star Wallace Sititi has caught the eye of a rival code with NRL clubs interested in his services.
That was the word from All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson after their 33-13 victory over the Wallabies in Wellington on Saturday.
After being a surprise inclusion in the All Blacks‘ first squad of the year, Sititi has made full use of his call-up and after making his Test debut as a replacement against Fiji in San Diego, he has gone from strength to strength, making five appearances in the international arena so far.
In fine form for the All Blacks
Despite being only 22 years old, the Chiefs back-row has been in fine form since making his first Test start against the Springboks in Cape Town and showed his class with another excellent all-round performance against the Wallabies on Saturday.
He got the ball rolling with great footwork in the build-up to New Zealand’s first try – scored by Sevu Reece – and finished the match with 39 metres gained from 19 carries and 10 tackles made.
Those superb statistics follows similar impressive displays in recent weeks in that Cape Town Test and in Sydney against the Wallabies, and it has generated interest from the NRL.
“A couple of leaguies have asked after him but I said, mate, we’ve signed him for 10 years,” Robertson told Stuff. “Just because of the profile he’s got; the size, he’s got a power game and skill set.
Scott Robertson outlines ‘humble’ Wallace Sititi Test future with potential position outlined
“A lot has been said of him and I’m also mindful of looking after him too because the hype reel goes pretty quick. But the good thing with him is he’s humble.”
Sititi shone for the Chiefs at number eight during their Super Rugby Pacific campaign but has done the business on the blindside flank for the All Blacks in recent weeks.
That has led to questions about which position suits him best but Robertson believes it doesn’t matter which number the young loose forward wears on his back for him to shine.
‘You’re just a loose forward’
“A lot has been said around playing six but you’re just a loose forward,” he said.
“You can slip in [anywhere] other than the scrums. He can play eight and he can probably play seven. He’s just a quality loose forward and he trusts his skills. He has a real calmness.
“You should see him at training. He’s got a real natural ability to play right at the line.”
