Ex-Leeds Rhinos player hits out at New Zealand boss for comments and costly calls

Former Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers player Tony Kemp is unhappy with ex-Wigan Warriors boss Michael Maguire after New Zealand’s exit from the Rugby League World Cup.

Kemp, who played 25 times for the Kiwis, criticised coach Maguire for the his selection calls and lamented the fact we aren’t going to see New Zealand vs Samoa in the final.

“There were crucial decisions (to be made) on replacing players and starting players at the right time,” he told SEN radio.

“Like starting Moses for Jesse. I think they would have got it.

“Imagine that – New Zealand versus Samoa in the final. Auckland would have come to a standstill.”

He also questioned Maguire’s comments about bridging the gap to Australia.

“One of the comments I really don’t get is I heard Maguire say after the match that ‘We’re there now with Australia’,” Kemp said.

“We’ve been with Australia since 2008, not 2022. This hasn’t happened in three years.

“We had a really poor time under David Kidwell, the organisation was in turmoil, they were run by an average CEO who was making poor decisions.

“But the Kiwis team have been next to Australia since 2008.”