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\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d been there for about a week and still had another week to go,\u201d Rogerson said. <\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s kicked on, and I left her there. She was sad, but obviously very happy for me at the same time.<\/p>\n
\u201cI did feel a bit bad leaving her in Bali, but I\u2019m sure there\u2019s worse places to leave your girlfriend.\u201d <\/p>\n
Rogerson said he was in bed when the call came through from head coach Darren Bazeley at about 1am. <\/p>\n
![\"Logan](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/logan-rogerson-celebrates-a-goal-against-malaysia-3YTJ7Q4T2FGJXI76HCFZIRC7AM.jpg\")
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Logan Rogerson celebrates a goal against Malaysia. (Source: Photosport)<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen he called me, he obviously informed me about Garbs, how he\u2019s been injured. <\/p>\n
\u201cI was gutted for him. He\u2019s a good mate of mine, I\u2019ve known him for a long time, and I can\u2019t imagine what he\u2019s going through.\u201d <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
He said there were \u201cmixed emotions\u201d, as he was excited to be joining the team but also felt bad for Garbett. <\/p>\n
The All Whites drew 2-2 in an e<\/a>ntertaining game with Iran<\/a> 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). <\/p>\n ‘The highs and lows of football’<\/p>\n Rogerson recounted the moment he discovered he would not be on the initial squad for the World Cup. <\/p>\n \u201cI remember driving back over the Harbour Bridge; he called me after a training. It was a long drive.<\/p>\n \u201cHe said, \u2018If someone does get injured, you are next in line, so be prepared\u2019.\u201d <\/p>\n Logan Rogerson of Auckland FC celebrates a goal in the final seconds during the draw against Adelaide United. (Source: Photosport)<\/p>\n He said he used Auckland FC\u2019s semi-final against Adelaide later that week to help \u201cshift focus\u201d. <\/p>\n Rogerson scored in that game, helping send Auckland to the Grand Final against Sydney FC, which they went on to win. <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s crazy, the highs and lows of football.\u201d <\/p>\n Now with the team, Rogerson said he was still trying to wrap his head around actually being there. <\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t watch the first game, because I was in the air.\u201d <\/p>\n While he had to buy new boots \u2013 Rogerson felt fit, thanks to some \u201cnice gyms\u201d at his holiday spot. <\/p>\n He said being at a World Cup \u201cmeans everything\u201d. <\/p>\n \u201cLike 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. <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s what kind of fueled my dream to play for the All Whites.\u201d <\/p>\n Rogerson, who is Tainui, said he was proud to be representing M\u0101ori on the world stage. <\/p>\n \u201cProud M\u0101ori from the 824, going to the World Cup. From all my wh\u0101nau back home, they\u2019re all buzzing for me.\u201d <\/p>\n \u201cBeing M\u0101ori, playing in a World Cup is pretty special.\u201d <\/p>\n![\"Logan](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/logan-rogerson-of-auckland-fc-celebrates-a-goal-in-the-final-A7KQKJ7OR5EHVPYL2Y7DWEXCS4.jpg\")
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