Promising new Blues recruit Jackson Willison’s career was at the mercy of New Zealand Super XV’s selection policy ahead of this season, with the 24 year-old midfielder finding himself in the draft and unsure of his playing future until snapped up by incoming coach John Kirwan.
Chiefs’ coaches Dave Rennie and Wayne Smith opted to gamble with Willison, de-listing him from their ‘protected players’ in order to secure the services of in-form Counties-Manukau midfielder Bundi Aki. While their intention was always to grab Willison, a veteran of 39 games for the Hamilton-based franchise and 52 caps for Waikato at provincial level, back in the draft the move opened the door for Kirwan to step in and snatch a replacement for All Black 2nd-five Ma’a Nonu.
Having represented New Zealand at Under-20 level Willison was touted for higher honours, but a stacked midfield in the Waikato-system slowed his rise through the ranks considerably. In all likelihood things would have been just as difficult for Willison at the Chiefs in 2013, with Rennie obviously liking what he sees in Aki, and also having the services of several other notable midfielders at his disposal, including All Black Richard Kahui and another new face in Charlie Ngatai.
The Blues, on the other hand, will more than likely make full use of Willison, not only for his skills in the centres, but also for his experience, which could be vital in a squad which is packed with young, emerging players.
