Glenn in firing line but backs SBW call

Kiwis' forward Alex Glenn has backed New Zealand's controversial decision to crowbar Sonny Bill Williams into their World Cup squad.

Sonny Bill Williams' backflip has already cost youngster Tohu Harris a Rugby league World Cup berth but fellow Kiwis back-rower Alex Glenn will have no issue if it costs him a Test spot.

Glenn has staunchly backed the New Zealand Rugby League's controversial decision to crowbar Williams into their World Cup squad at the expense of selected Melbourne forward Harris.

Despite fears Williams' preferential treatment could affect the defending champion Kiwis' culture, Brisbane vice-captain Glenn believes the superstar dual international will slot seamlessly into coach Stephen Kearney's team.

"Sonny Bill's been with the team before," Glenn said on Friday.

"Lots of the boys have been mates with him throughout his career so it's just one of those things, it's a brotherhood, and he'll fit straight in.

"For me it was a big shock, his decision to come into the team after it was selected, but to have Sonny Bill in the team it's always a strike-force."

Williams' change of mind, only making himself available after the Kiwis squad had already been named, has come under further fire after the former All Black met with New Zealand rugby union officials on Thursday about a likely return to that code next year.

But Glenn, in real danger of losing his place in the Kiwis' 17-man team for the big games when the tournament kicks off in England this month, remained unfazed by that prospect and endorsed SBW's inclusion.

"It definitely makes me feel pressure," said Glenn, a versatile left-side player.

"He was one of the best back-rowers in the game this year so hopefully I just get named in one of the spots in the 17, and I'll be happy.

"The way he's been playing this year it's hard not to put him in the side."

Fellow Broncos back-rower and Australian lock Corey Parker dismissed claims Williams' inclusion could adversely affect the Kiwis.

"They're going to be a better team for him being in it," he said.

"The unfortunate thing was how it was handled but they're not going to dwell on that once they run out on the field."

Both Parker and Glenn modelled the Broncos' home and away playing strips for 2014 on Friday after the club announced a three-year with new sponsor Pirtek.

Brisbane chief executive Paul White was tight-lipped about the club's interest in Australia and Queensland skipper Cameron Smith following reports the Melbourne hooker was looking at moving home in 2015 to play for the Broncos.

"That's not a story for our club," he said.

White indicated Brisbane were close to signing former Warriors prop Todd Lowrie who appears set to join ex-Rooster Martin Kennedy at the club next year.


Share

3 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world