‘I can’t physically play like Ma’a Nonu’ – All Blacks centre rejects legendary comparisons
'I can’t physically play like Ma’a Nonu' - All Black centre rejects legendary comparisons
The youngest Barrett brother has been reflecting on comparisons to the great Ma’a Nonu, claiming that any similarities stop at the number on the back of their shirts.
Speaking to the press, Jordie Barrett said: “For years, there’s been calls that I need to play like Ma’a Nonu, but I can’t physically play like Ma’a Nonu. I certainly don’t want to be put into a box and told this is a way that a 12 is meant to play.”
Barrett has almost 70 appearances in the black of New Zealand, but he’s not always donned the number 12 shirt. In fact, in his earlier days in international colours, he was utilised as a playmaking full-back.
“I feel comfortable enough in both positions,” said the talented midfield star, “but that obviously doesn’t guarantee performance at an international level – rugby’s so tough at the highest level these days,
“I feel like I’ve got a deep understanding of the game, which helps, but I guess I just want to play one of those positions the best I can if it grants me a starting All Black jersey. At the moment that’s 12, and my challenge is to hold on to that for as long as I can.
“I think the game has evolved over the last few years. I’m trying to develop a skill-set and I feel like I’m getting there. If I need to kick to someone, I can; if I need to pass to someone, I can; if I want to get my hands through an offload, I can; if I want to beat someone, I can, that’s where I want to get to as a midfielder and I feel like that’s important in today’s game.”
The youngest Barrett
As the youngest of three international rugby siblings, Jordie has had the benefit of expert guidance throughout his career.
“I’ve leaned on my brothers at times,” he said.
“It’s not just the 80-minute performance you see on Saturday, it’s the times when you’re away from home in hotels on tours where most guys just have teammates and mates, and I’m pretty lucky to be able to say that throughout my career I’ve had my brothers there as well. It’s been pretty special.
“It’s not something we’ve spoken about together, but on a Tuesday morning when you sit there in a team announcement and Scott’s name will come up and the thoughts pop into your mind that would be pretty cool to be able to join Beaudie and be an All Blacks centurion and hopefully join Scott if things work out that way too, so that would be unbelievable.”
