Kiwis pick Super League pair

Case to be taken to the Rugby League International Federation

Last updated: 30th April 2008

Kiwis pick Super League pair

Kearney: Still hopeful of having Webb and Leuluai available

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New Zealand have named Brent Webb and Thomas Leuluai in their squad to face Australia next week, despite Leeds and Wigan refusing to release the pair.

The engage Super League clubs do not want to let their players leave to play in the centenary Test as it clashes with the fifth round of the Carnegie Challenge Cup.

Full-back Webb is wanted by the Rhinos to feature against Harlequins while the Warriors want to keep hold of scrum-half Leulai to prepare for the league contest against Warrington the following week.

However, New Zealand are refusing to take no for an answer in the dispute, selecting the duo to take on the Kangaroos in the one-off Test.

The NZRL have also taken their case to the Rugby League International Federation, whose constitution states players must be made available for Test games if selected.

Wanted

"I have told the team manager that I want to have those two players in the side and left it in his hands," New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney said.

"Thomas and Brent rang me to say they want to play for New Zealand and I owe it to them to do everything I can.

"We've been looking for a half-back to replace Stacey Jones and we want to give Thomas as much opportunity to make the (number seven) jumper his."

Kearney will be hoping both Leuluai and Webb are able to play at the Sydney Cricket Ground as New Zealand are already without several big names.

Stand-off Benji Marshall has been ruled out with a knee injury while winger Manu Vatuvei suffered a broken bone in his foot at the weekend.

Parramatta utility back Krisnan Inu is also sidelined, though Sonny Bill Williams is fit to feature against the Australians

Comments (1)

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Stewart Ibbotson says...

Come on RFL we are supposed to be a gound breaking sport surely it won't take much to stabalise the international calender between the two main countries and have internationals on the same day in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Then this problem would not happen. We should release these players as playing for your Country should be the ultimate accolade.

Posted 12:33 30th April 2008
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