Maguire: Contract talk not affecting Johnson's form
- Author
- Timestamp
New Zealand coach Michael Maguire wants more control from flamboyant halves Kodi Nikorima and Shaun Johnson in Sunday's second Test against England at Anfield.
Maguire was vocal about the flamboyant duo's last-tackle options following the 18-16 loss in Hull and is confident of a fast turnaround with the series on the line at the iconic venue.
Johnson's future at the Warriors has recently been brought into the spotlight but Maguire offered a "no" when asked if ongoing talk about his next contract had affected the star halfback away from home.
He has been kept away from media commitments since arriving in the UK with the 28-year-old focused on breaking New Zealand's series drought in the northern hemisphere.
"There were areas in our game where we didn't hit our mark," Maguire said.
"[Shaun and Kodi] are well aware of what they're after. Shaun understands his game and they've gone through that and know what they need to do this week.
Proctor relieved to be back with Kiwis
"I've got a strong senior group which is good, they've taken ownership of this whole week."
Kiwis skipper Dallin Watene-Zelezniak said players used the week to assess their own games after individual lapses.
The Kiwis dominated in key areas of attack and defence against England in the opening round but let themselves down with ill-discipline and errors late in the loss.
"I'm not sure what the process is of reviewing themselves but for myself you just get that feeling when you come off the field that you could've done more," Watene-Zelezniak said.
"If you walk off the field knowing that you've got to check yourself and do a lot of review that week because obviously something went wrong.
"I tend to go to my wife and family who give me honest opinions and the coaching staff."
Watene-Zelezniak was left frustrated by Super League referee Robert Hicks's interpretations last week but the Kiwis will feel more adapted to NRL whistleblower Gerard Sutton, who will officiate the second Test on Sunday (1.30am Monday AEDT).
England coach Wayne Bennett shifted the focus onto Sutton at England's final training run at Anfield but refuted suggestions the Kiwis will feel more comfortable with a neutral official.
Brandon Smith enjoying England experience
"No, I thought all referees were neutral by nature," Bennett said.
"Australia always have Australian referees for most of their games, so I don't see the problem why we all have to be neutral because we're in England. When we're in New Zealand I expect New Zealand refs.
"I just want him tomorrow ... if they're lifting the leg, I don't want us to get dragged back.
"At home, if you lift the leg off the ground the tackle's completed virtually. That's what the definition of it is.
"There was a fair bit last week the leg was lifted off the ground and our players had the ball and were getting moved five or six metres backwards.
"But the rest is fine. We only won it by two points, and we could have lost it too, that's how close it was. I expect the quality of football will definitely be there."
