New Zealand greats ‘concerned’ as All Blacks lure ‘not a thing’ for current generation with another ‘superstar’ Japan-bound
Mark Tele'a celebrates try against England and All Blacks centurion Mils Muliaina.
Jeff Wilson and Mils Muliaina are concerned that the rumours surrounding All Blacks and Blues star Mark Tele’a is continuing a worrying trend in New Zealand.
The speedster has been linked with a move to Japan on a deal which could rule him out of the 2027 Rugby World Cup equation.
Tele’a’s New Zealand Rugby (NZR) contract expires at the end of the season and 1News are reporting that he is set to sign for Toyota Verblitz, who are coached by Sir Steve Hansen and Ian Foster.
The 28-year-old is therefore set to follow a number of All Blacks stars in moving to Asia and plying their trade in Japan Rugby League One.
Tele’a ‘in his prime’
“To hear the news that it looks as though Mark Tele’a is going to head offshore, and he’s not going to be available to the All Blacks at the next Rugby World Cup… this is the 2023 Breakthrough Player of the Year,” Wilson told The Breakdown.
“I don’t know if we can do more to keep our players in New Zealand but this really concerns me. This guy is a superstar, not just in our game for the All Blacks but for the Blues as well – one of our great superstars.
“I’m concerned right now, Mark Tele’a I think is a huge loss if he’s heading offshore, and I understand that’s where things are heading.
“He’s a bit different to what we’ve had before; the strength, the footwork in small spaces through the middle of the park. He’s in his prime, I think he has two, three, four good years in him, but now it looks like we’re going to lose that.”
Although NZR have been boosted by Damian McKenzie’s re-signing recently, other players are putting the prospect of greater financial riches abroad above their international ambitions.
“I’m concerned about that because there are guys in similar situations: Shannon Frizell, Richie Mo’unga. I know Leicester Fainga’anuku is coming home but he went away, he decided he wanted to go overseas,” Wilson said.
“We’ve had Damian McKenzie go away for a couple of years. Obviously, we’ve got players [in Japan] who could still play for the All Blacks – Aaron Smith, Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane.”
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Wilson was joined on the panel by fellow All Blacks great Muliaina, who reckons that the New Zealand jersey may have lost its lustre.
“The worrying part for me is this is an All Blacks side that is relatively new and the drive of the black jersey must not be a thing for these guys,” he said.
“What are New Zealand Rugby doing about that financial side? We’ve lost a sponsor, that’s taken a big hit. Are we getting creative because this subject has always been there?”
Tele’a reaches key All Blacks age
Despite Wilson’s previous comments, Tele’a is around the age where All Blacks wings have traditionally tended to decline, which Stephen Donald suggests could account for his rumoured decision to depart.
“Isn’t every situation different? We’re talking about Mark’s situation here and he might be being offered a silly deal – as in a great deal – and he’s heard the 28 chat that everyone talks about with All Blacks wings,” the 2011 Rugby World Cup hero said.
“He then goes, ‘you know what, I’ve got a three-year deal that could absolutely lock me up’.
“But we’ve got Damian McKenzie, Beauden Barrett, Ardie Savea saying: ‘No, the All Black jersey is enough for me to sign long-term’.”
Wilson disagreed, however, and claims that All Blacks players are far more willing to go overseas in comparison to a decade ago.
“But they’ve got sabbaticals. Ardie Savea has got a sabbatical option, Rieko Ioane has got a sabbatical option, I’m not sure whether they’re activating those next year,” he added.
“You think about your legacy and wanting to compete against the best, and to go on and win a Rugby World Cup.
“I can’t remember us losing anyone between 2011 and 2015, or not having someone who is an obvious replacement.”
