News

Henry urges pivots to look elsewhere

July 15 2009

Colin Slade and Stephen Brett have been told by All Black coach Graham Henry that a move from Canterbury would benefit their careers.

With Dan Carter's return imminent, opportunities for the young pair are likely to be few and far between in next year's Super 14 at the Crusaders, but given regular game-time and the current paucity if playmaker options for the All Blacks, either of the two could make the grade.

Neither Brett nor Slade emerged as a top-flight choice while Carter was on his injury-wrecked sabbatical in France this year. Slade ended up on the wing while Brett, after a disastrous stint at full-back, also found his form inconsistent.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder started Slade at number ten but he ended up on the wing while Brett did not impose himself in general play and his goal-kicking was unreliable.

Asked whether either should contemplate leaving Christchurch, Henry was adamant it was a wise career move.

"I think they have to for their own sake, for their own future in the game," he said to NZPA.

"I don't think it's my job (to tell them that), I could get into trouble.

"But obviously Daniel is secure and for the guys to move on in the game and see how good they're going to be ... I think when they're blocked they have to make good decisions about what they do."

Henry said while loyalty to a province or franchise was admirable it could also be detrimental.

"I think it's important young footballers look at their situation and say that loyalty is one thing but it can be misplaced," he added.

"There's been players in New Zealand in the past that have had a lot of loyalty to a particular province, they haven't moved and fulfilled their potential."

The Crusaders do not have a history of letting their prized fly-halves go, but the Blues after the departure of Jimmy Gopperth, and the Highlanders after the departure of Daniel Bowden (ironically to the Blues) are both screaming out for specialist top-class playmakers.

The Blues do have Luke McAlister back as well, but he is clearly far more suited to centre than fly-half.