Kelleher's decision pleases Mains
November 13, 2001

The retention of All Black halfback Byron Kelleher has pleased new Highlanders' Super 12 coach Laurie Mains.

"It is hard enough to get home grown players who have longevity in the province," Mains said. "Byron is one of our team leaders on the field.

"While we would have been happy to have Mark Robinson (he stays with the Blues), I am personally delighted that Byron has decided to stay."

Kelleher (pictured) was tipped to go to the Blues, but decided against a move.

Mains took the Cats to the semifinals in the last two years, but was not prepared to predict that he would do the same with the Highlanders next year.

"You can never expect to make the semifinals in the Super 12. It is a very tough competition," Mains said. "You need luck going your way."

Promising younger members of the Otago NPC team to miss Super 12 selection were Josh Blackie (flanker), David Gibson (halfback) and Hayden Reid (wing, fullback).

"This is a regional team and we are required to adhere to the national ranking of players throughout New Zealand," Mains said. "The young Otago players who have missed out have the opportunity to improve areas of their game so they can be included the following year."

Mains said the selectors tried hard to include some Southland players but they did not meet the standard. "As Highlanders coach I'm desperate to include Southland players. I need them for the region," he said.

Mains said there was the opportunity for Southland players to be included in the Highlanders Development team. - Sapa-NZPA

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