Leeds full-back Brent Webb has made himself unavailable for New Zealand's upcoming Test series against Great Britain.
Kiwi star withdraws from forthcoming series against GB
Leeds full-back Brent Webb has made himself unavailable for New Zealand's upcoming Test series against Great Britain.
The 26-year-old has instead decided to book himself in for surgery - the precise nature of which is unspecified - ahead of the series, which starts in Huddersfield later this month.
However, ahead of Friday's Super League Grand Final eliminator against Wigan, Webb also said that he would see out the domestic season before going under the knife.
"I've made myself unavailable," he said. "I need a few things fixed up at the end of the season and to give the body a bit of a rest.
"It's something I've needed doing for a long time but just haven't had the time to do it. I've come to the stage where I've a bit of time at the end of the year.
"It would be better for me and my body if I have that break."
Webb played a starring role for New Zealand during recent Tri-Nations series and it had been hoped he would once again be to the fore under new coach Gary Kemble.
Long term
Leeds coach Tony Smith, who will take over as Great Britain's coach at season's end, admitted to feelings of disappointment at the player's decision to withdraw.
But Smith added that, with Webb's career to consider in the long term, he understood the move.
"We'd love to see him there," insisted Smith. "You want to put yourself up against the best and he's a world-class player.
"He's a crowd-pleaser as well but, having said that, they've got a lot of those.
"Brent also needs to get done what he's getting done for himself long term and his country long term as well.
"He's fine now and he's able to get through games but it will let him down at some stage and it might be the World Cup when that happens.
"So he needs to make some smart decisions for his country and his club."
