NZ Warriors wing Ken Maumalo may just be the first to express what many of his Kiwis teammates are probably thinking - please don't send us back to Denver.
The national rugby league side flew in the face of widespread opposition to take on England in the 'Mile High City' during the NRL representative break last week, but the venture ended in disaster.
After leading 12-0 early, the New Zealand team wilted at altitude to lose 36-18, and then struck weather delays and cancelled flights on their trip home, severely compromising their availability for the next round of club games.
- Warriors lose Tohu Harris, Bunty Afoa to injury
- Opinion: Stop bashing the Kiwis vs England Denver test
- Kiwis flight from Denver delayed by lightning
Some took the field regardless, but Maumalo was one to miss out and he expressed his misgivings to Newshub on Tuesday.
"It was pretty surreal moment for me and my family," he said. "I got the call from [coach Michael Maguire] the week before camp, and I was really excited and couldn't wait to get into camp.
"There were seven debutants there, so that made me feel more comfortable. Having it in America, being the first league game there and being part of history was pretty cool."
But Maumalo admitted he wasn't in a hurry to return for the two games remaining in the New Zealand Rugby League contract with promoters Moore Sports.
"Probably the travel took a toll for me. I'd love to go, but then again, no, because of the travel and the flights."
As a newcomer to the New Zealand set-up, having previously represented Samoa at international level, Maumalo risks a very short Kiwis career with his admission, but he's unlikely to be alone with those feelings.
St George Dragons forward Leeson Ah Mau, soon to join the Warriors, arrived back in Sydney the day before his side took on the Parramatta Eels and also did not take the field.
Blockbuster Manly prop Marty Taupau bounced around US airports for another day after his teammates eventually left Denver.
"Another F***ING delayed flight which is highly likely to be cancelled due to mechanical issues," Taupau tweeted.
"Now the last player stuck at DENAirport with staff that has been patiently waiting for over 8hrs on the back of a cancelled flight yesterday! UNITED is by far the worst airline ever!"
He later tweeted from San Francisco, after further delays, but at least praised the professionalism of NZRL staff and their efforts to get him home.
NRL clubs will doubtless use this ordeal as ammunition to oppose this venture even more vehemently in future.
Newshub.
