October 10, 2018
Captaincy in the blood for Wātene-Zelezniak
Penrith fullback Dallin Wātene-Zelezniak has named to lead the Kiwis in their test against Australia at Mount Smart Stadium on Saturday, making him one of the youngest captains in New Zealand rugby league history.
Watene-Zelezniak, who turned 23 in August, follows in the footsteps of his great grandfather Steve Wātene, who became the first Māori to captain the Kiwis in 1936.
Steve Wātene is the only person who has represented New Zealand in rugby league and become a Member of Parliament.
It will be Wātene-Zelezniak’s eight test since he first ran out on the field against the Kangaroos in Newcastle in 2016.
There are two new caps in the squad of 17 – grand final-winning Sydney Roosters centre Joseph Manu and Melbourne’s Brandon Smith at hooker.
Copyright © 2018, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com