NTC players have a better chance of making the team as they are seen by the people who pick the team. If a player isn't picked for NTC the likely hood of them getting anywhere near the team a low when you consider their are about 60 players for that age band at NTC. No player is guaranteed anything so that shouldn't be a suprise.
I think at the end of the day if the player is good enough they will get a look in at some stage.
This is just bullshit. The coaches at NTC don't pick the national team. Dear lord.
Look at the last U17 team - there were loads of players who weren't attending NTC anymore who made the cut. All the Ole kids for a start. That should tell you everything you need to know about NZ Football's hollow threats.
Not attending NTC doesn't seem to have held Ryan Thomas back.