All White called up to World Cup squad midway through Bali holiday

Logan Rogerson was midway through a holiday in Bali when he got the message that he would be called up to the All Whites squad at the FIFA World Cup.

The Auckland FC forward was a late addition to the squad, replacing midfielder Matt Garbett, who was ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury.

Speaking to reporters, Rogerson said he was midway through a trip to Bali with his partner, which had been booked after he found out he wasn’t on the initial 26-man squad. He said it was more of a "wellness retreat" after a few days of partying following Auckland FC's A-League grand final win.

“I’d been there for about a week and still had another week to go,” Rogerson said.

“She’s kicked on, and I left her there. She was sad, but obviously very happy for me at the same time.

“I did feel a bit bad leaving her in Bali, but I’m sure there’s worse places to leave your girlfriend.”

Rogerson said he was in bed when the call came through from head coach Darren Bazeley at about 1am.

“When he called me, he obviously informed me about Garbs, how he’s been injured.

“I was gutted for him. He’s a good mate of mine, I’ve known him for a long time, and I can’t imagine what he’s going through.”

He spent the night packing his bags and sorting his travel paperwork, then visited a monkey forest the next day before flying out that night.

He said there were “mixed emotions”, as he was excited to be joining the team but also felt bad for Garbett.

The All Whites drew 2-2 in an entertaining game with Iran on Tuesday. They'll be hoping to pick up some more points when they play Egypt on Monday morning and Belgium next Saturday afternoon (both NZT).

Rogerson recounted the moment he discovered he would not be on the initial squad for the World Cup.

“I remember driving back over the Harbour Bridge; he called me after a training. It was a long drive.

“He said, ‘If someone does get injured, you are next in line, so be prepared’.”

He said he used Auckland FC’s semi-final against Adelaide later that week to help “shift focus”.

Rogerson scored in that game, helping send Auckland to the Grand Final against Sydney FC, which they went on to win.

“It’s crazy, the highs and lows of football.”

Now with the team, Rogerson said he was still trying to wrap his head around actually being there.

“I didn’t watch the first game, because I was in the air.”

While he had to buy new boots – Rogerson felt fit, thanks to some “nice gyms” at his holiday spot.

He said being at a World Cup “means everything”.

“Like a lot of the other boys, we have memories of the 2010 World Cup. You know, wake up in the middle of the night, watching the game, watching the All Whites games.

“That’s what kind of fueled my dream to play for the All Whites.”

Rogerson, who is Tainui, said he was proud to be representing Māori on the world stage.

“Proud Māori from the 824, going to the World Cup. From all my whānau back home, they’re all buzzing for me.”

“Being Māori, playing in a World Cup is pretty special.”

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