Wigan prop Stuart Fielden has been told to rest despite only just teaming up with the England Four Nations squad in Auckland.
England prop told to rest after delayed arrival
Wigan prop Stuart Fielden has been told to rest despite only just teaming up with the England Four Nations squad in Auckland.
Fielden was granted permission to remain in England for the birth of his first child - Robbie Adam - before flying out four days after the rest of the squad.
However although the 31-year-old is keen to get straight into action for the warm-up clash with New Zealand at Mount Smart Stadium on Saturday, he has been informed by coach Steve McNamara that he would sit out the match to recover from jet lag
"I feel on top of the world, and I was desperate to be out there with the boys but I understand Steve's position," said Fielden.
"He has my best interests as well as the interests of the team at heart, but I told him that if he wants me to play against the Maori, I'm ready and raring to go.
"All the way over I saw this training session as the prelude to playing. It's a little disappointing to have to sit it out this weekend but I know my chance will come if I work hard."
Wonderful
Fielden, whose Wigan side beat St Helens in the Super League Grand Final, has failed to represent his country since way back in 2006, and his inclusion in the 24-man squad for the tournament against New Zealand, Australia and Papua New Guinea marks his return to the international arena.
His recall is the latest in a succession of personal and emotional highlights for Fielden, who is still coming to terms with becoming a father.
"He's gorgeous and I'd like to extend mine and Sophie's thanks to all the nurses at Halifax Hospital, especially Sara Hall," he said. "They were just brilliant.
"We are both over the moon and, though it's really hard to leave him behind after knowing him for just a day and a half, it's a wonderful feeling becoming a father.
"These have been the best few weeks of my life. Some people have said in the past that winning a Grand Final is better than becoming a father and I've heard others say it the other way round, but both have happened to me in just a week and a half.
"All I want now is to help England win the Four Nations."
McNamara is expected to name a 19-man squad for the game against the Maori on Friday.
