New Zealand trying to focus on Four Nations final after further earthquakes at home
Tuesday 15 November 2016 18:13, UK
Jesse Bromwich says it has been tough for some members of the New Zealand squad to focus on Sunday's Ladbrokes Four Nations final.
The Kiwis, who are captained by Bromwich, had to watch from the other side of the world as news emerged of a series of earthquakes that hit the east coast of the South Island and also affected the capital city of Wellington.
Although not as damaging as the 2011 quake, which left parts of Christchurch in ruins and killed 185 people, Bromwich said it was still difficult for the squad, which includes a number of players from the affected areas, to keep their minds on the clash with the Kangaroos at Anfield.
"There's a couple of boys from Christchurch who have been affected by it but their families are okay," said Bromwich.
"It's devastating what's going on over there.
"I guess you can put it in the back of your minds a little bit but Christchurch has been getting it for years now and I hear the after-shocks were also very bad. I just wish they could get a break down there."
Australia's win over England on Sunday ensured a place in the final for coach David Kidwell's team and he is determined to make the most of their second chance after an 18-18 draw with Scotland had left their qualification hopes in serious doubt.
"We're at the final dance now," Kidwell said. "We've worked hard to be here.
"We've been away from our families for five or six weeks now and this group has been committed from the start. We get an opportunity on Sunday to make our families proud.
"We get to play at a special stadium. It's the first time in rugby league history that a Test match is played here and it's about taking that opportunity and making it something special."
