Rugby League: Endacott has options for Anzac test

By PETER JESSUP

Depth. That's the thing that will make the Kiwi side named today for the Anzac test more than competitive against the all-powerful Australians.

For the first time in living memory a Kiwi coach has the luxury of deciding who to leave out. More often than not in recent years the Kiwi selectors have had to sling in a couple of big-hearted and enthusiastic players who everyone knows are short of international class.

Frank Endacott will release his squad at 7 pm after viewing tapes of the 10th round of NRL games and holding a conference call with his eyes downunder Junior Kiwi coach Gary Kemble, nines coach Graeme Norton and Kiwi trainer Bob Lanigan.

He's asked the NZRL for dispensation to take 19 players into camp in Sydney as the Kiwis chase their first win there since 1953, the extras to cover for injuries and to settle them into team routine ahead of the end-of-year World Cup.

There are test-proven performers available in every position, game-breakers across the park. Endacott's job may be eased somewhat by an unfortunate injury to Warriors second-rower Logan Swann. He'll go to the specialist today but a medial ligament tear suffered in Saturday's 18-all grapple with the Bulldogs may cost him what would have been a certain start at lock.

There's a ready replacement in Tiger Tyran Smith who is arguably the competition's form player at the back of the scrum and he appears certain to add to his seven-test career.

Craig Smith and Joe Vagana are sitters for prop. Former skipper Quentin Pongia will make it on the intimidation factor and past performance despite missing recent action with a three-game suspension. As will Jarrod McCracken despite a five-game layoff from injury.

Richard Swain's consistent defence will get him the hooking job. Stacey Jones will be half, rusty though he may be, because Jones rusty remains invaluable. Endacott has the usual options with the Paul brothers, both wanting the number six jersey. Robbie is likely to get it, Henry to come from the bench as the world's best impact utility.

At centre there isn't much choice, regular Ruben Wiki out another month with a broken arm and last year's partner David Kidwell out of form and dropped to NRL first grade. Willie Talau is in form and recovered from injury and will partner Richie Blackmore, the Leeds player the only other likely to make it from England.

Lesley Vainikolo is doing everything right and will get the left flank, Warrior Nigel Vagana established himself on the right in the tri-series. Newcastle sensation Timana Tahu, second-highest try scorer in the NRL this year and chased by both Australia and New Zealand given his Aboriginal mother/Maori father parentage, has elected to pursue State of Origin and Kangaroo status.

Richie Barnett will be fullback and skipper after his outstanding form in both jobs last November. Barnett said his thigh cork won't trouble him and that he was feeling refreshed and enthusiastic after identifying a liver and kidney dysfunction that had robbed him of energy and enthusiasm early-season. He is taking magnesium and other minerals to balance his blood system and is keen as, he said.

Endacott has always favoured a one back/four forwards bench, those joining Henry Paul likely to be Pongia, Melbourne's Matt Rua and Tyran Smith if Swann is in the side, another prop in Jason Lowrie if not.

Endacott will fly into Sydney with Blackmore the Monday prior to the Good Friday game at Stadium Australia, the Pauls to arrive early Tuesday after playing for Bradford. They'll doubtless go straight to training as they did last year.

Not considered through injury were Nathan Cayless (thumb), Ruben Wiki (arm), Brian Jellick (ankle).

Likely Kiwi squad: Richie Barnett (c), Lesley Vainikolo, Richie Blackmore, Willie Talau, Nigel Vagana, Robbie Paul, Stacey Jones, Joe Vagana, Richard Swain, Craig Smith, Stephen Kearney, Jarrod McCracken, Logan Swann or Tyran Smith; interchange Henry Paul, Quentin Pongia, Matt Rua, Tyran Smith or Jason Lowrie.

Possible Aussie squad: Darren Lockyer, Mat Rogers, Shaun Timmins, Matt Gidley, Wendell Sailor, Brad Fittler, Brett Kimmorley, Shane Webcke, Geoff Toovey, Robbie Kearns, Gorden Tallis, Bryan Fletcher, Scott Hill; interchange Ryan Girdler, Adam Fairleigh, Brad Thorn, Michael Vella.