JWH eyeing Kiwi Test jersey

After scoring a points victory over a New Zealand Test prop rival for the second time this NRL season, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has declared he wants his Kiwi jersey back.

Waerea-Hargreaves was one of the Roosters pack’s best as they rolled the Warriors in their 24-0 win at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.

While Waerea-Hargreaves played down his personal battle with Warriors and New Zealand prop Ben Matulino, his contribution was key in the emphatic win over a top-four rival.

Waerea-Hargreaves has pledged to win back his spot in the national team after being dumped for last year’s trans-Tasman Test and add to his 16 appearances for his nation.

He was dropped because of his failure to convert his club form at international level and his road back has been made harder after the Kiwis won their last three Tests against Australia without him.

But after Waerea-Hargreaves outshone a Test rival for the second time this season, Kiwi coach Stephen Kearney must be sitting up and taking notice.

He was a standout in the Roosters’ 24-2 trouncing of Melbourne in round 12 when he out-played Jesse Bromwich.

Having not played in a black jumper since New Zealand’s loss in the 2013 World Cup final, he is now eyeing a return to the fold for their end-of-season tour of England.

Asked if he felt like he was getting back to Test form, he said: “I’d like to hope so.

“One of my goals for the season is to get back in that black jersey at the end of the year.

“For me, I grow confidence off team performances and getting out there and getting wins on the scoreboard.

“Obviously confidence is high after a couple of wins, but we’ve got to stay grounded and stay focused.”

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