Parker’s All Blacks Dream Realised Amidst Haka Celebration
New loose forward channels inspiration from Jerome Kaino
New All Blacks squad member Simon Parker described a surreal moment of disbelief when head coach Scott Robertson delivered the news of his selection. The overwhelming joy was met with a celebratory haka from his Northland teammates, marking a significant career milestone for the loose forward.
Robertson’s Bold Selections
Amidst four uncapped players in Scott Robertson‘s wider Rugby Championship squad, Parker stands out as the sole inclusion in the main team. This highlights the selectors’ high regard for the 25-year-old, who missed the recent France series due to an ankle injury sustained in June.
Filling the Kaino Void?
Standing at an imposing 1.97m and weighing around 120kg, Parker possesses the physical presence that coach Robertson is actively seeking to counter the physicality of international opposition. His playing style, which blends power with mobility into wider channels, draws clear parallels with former All Blacks great Jerome Kaino.
“I tried in a way to follow in the footsteps of Jerome Kaino because of the physical presence he was. I love the contact side of the game and I just try to get involved as much as I can.”
—Simon Parker, All Blacks Squad Member
Parker‘s dimensions surpass those of Kaino, who is widely considered one of New Zealand’s finest blindside flankers. The former Blues star was a late developer, suggesting a similar patient approach may benefit Parker. Coach Robertson has already labelled the newcomer as “intimidating,” a compliment that echoes Kaino‘s own reputation.
A Moment of Overwhelm
Recounting the moment he received the call, Parker admitted to “zoning out” for several seconds. He explained his initial reaction was one of shock and apology, fearing he had missed an important call. Coach Robertson‘s reassuring words, “don’t worry, I’ll do the talking for you,” captured the essence of the historic announcement.
New All Blacks loose forward Simon Parker reveals his phone call with Razor Robertson and the haka from his Northland teammates. https://t.co/44jW4y3j8N
— Newshub Sport (@NewshubSport) August 4, 2025
Parker was in a team review meeting when coach Robertson contacted him. After informing his wife and parents, he was met with a powerful haka from his Northland teammates, a moment he described as “pretty special.”
Inspiring Future Generations
Having overcome geographical challenges in his playing career, Parker hopes his selection will inspire others from his province. He specifically cited watching former Northland All Black Rene Ranger as a formative experience, demonstrating that a pathway to the top is achievable.
The All Blacks squad boasts a formidable lineup, with several Chiefs players dominating the loose forward selections. The team is set to begin their Rugby Championship campaign against Argentina on August 17th in Cordoba, followed by a second Test a week later in Buenos Aires.
A notable aspect of the squad is the inclusion of players like Tevita Mafileo, Kyle Preston, and Leroy Carter as injury cover, indicating depth and strategic planning for the demanding season ahead. These players might see significant game time in Argentina, depending on the recovery of key personnel like Cam Roigard and Noah Hotham.
