McAlister out in the cold

Forgotten All Blacks back Luke McAlister has been omitted from North Harbour’s NPC team for the second week in a row.

After there was no room in the New Zealand national squad for McAlister it was though his only outside chance of being picked for the World Cup squad would be through some breathtaking domestic performances.

But McAlister failed to turn up for training with his team while he was seeking an early release from his NZRU contract before he heads off to join Top 14 side Toulouse.

However, he has since apologised for his absence and is fighting to get back into coach Liam Barry’s good books.

“Luke only had his first training run with us on Saturday and it was not a full, structured training,” Barry told NZPA.

“He will get to know the plays and moves, and how we are playing the game, over this week and hopefully be up for selection for the Bay of Plenty game in Mt Maunganui next Saturday.”