Surprise NZ Kiwis appearance sparks Wayde Egan World Cup speculation

NZ Kiwis had a surprise visitor at training in Christchurch on Thursday, but the side insisted Warriors hooker Wayde Egan was still not part of their Rugby League World Cup plans.Egan was spotted wearing Kiwis kit and training alongside the squad before their second match of the tournament against the Cook Islands, with footage of the 29-year-old quickly sparking speculation on social media.NZ Rugby League officials moved quickly to pour cold water on the speculation. A team spokesperson told RNZ Egan had not been called into the squad and was "just having a run".New Zealand have already confirmed their line-up for Sunday's clash at Te Kaha Stadium, with Jeremy Marshall-King named in the No.9 jersey, while Erin Clark and Kodi Nikorima are also options to cover the position.Egan's appearance in the Kiwis camp follows speculation in the lead-up to the tournament over whether the Australian-born hooker, who has spent the past six seasons with the Warriors, would be eligible to represent New Zealand.The 29-year-old was a key performer during a remarkable season for the Auckland club, cementing his reputation as one of the competition's leading players, when he was named in the Dally M Team of the Year at last month's awards.Interest in his availability gathered further momentum, after incumbent Phoenix Crossland was ruled out for the opening matches of the tournament with a four-week suspension. The Newcastle hooker was banned for a dangerous 'hipdrop' tackle on Panthers star Nathan Cleary in the NRL preliminary final.Kiwis coach Stacey Jones later confirmed that Egan was eligible for New Zealand, but had made himself unavailable for selection, due to a prior commitment.On Thursday, the Warriors also announced they had extended Egan's contract for another year through to the end of 2028.