Kearney: Postponement was right decision

Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney (right) and captain Simon Mannering. Photo / Mark Mitchell.

Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney says the decision to postpone Friday's Anzac test was the right call, after the horrendous weather that hit Brisbane yesterday.

The test was called off at 6.20pm (8.20pm) on Friday night, after the NRL consulted with a number of stakeholders, including Suncorp Stadium management, broadcasters, the rugby league players association and city officials. The game will now be played on Sunday afternoon.

The move will presents some fresh challenges for Kearney and his coaching staff over the next two days but the 42-year-old has no issues with the decision.

"There were a number of issues," said Kearney. "Especially the condition of the ground in the sense of player safety. They were predicting lightning strikes and straight away that needs to be alarm bells for everyone. I think the NRL came up with a sensible decision."

The Kiwis now need to refocus on hitting a physical and emotional peak on Sunday afternoon, with the match to be played at 4pm (6pm NZT).

"You need to roll with the punches and adapt to what is thrown at you," said Kearney. "We will get back to the drawing board on [Saturday] morning."

Kearney, who has been resident in the Queensland capital for more than two years as Brisbane Broncos assistant coach, wasn't totally surprised by the extreme weather.

"It does happen up here, it's not completely uncommon," said Kearney. "Only a month ago the Wellington Phoenix was rained off. [During the day] I thought there was a chance that something might have to be done but I was trying to convince my mind and my body that that wasn't going to happen. We were preparing to play a test match but it was getting that bad I thought something might happen."

The Kiwis stuck to their schedule throughout Friday, with Kearney reminding his team that they had to expect to play.

" I think in the back of their minds they though it might be called off," said Kearney. "But in the meeting we had before we left the hotel I tried to stress to them that we will be playing and to have that attitude."

After the decision, the players let off steam with an impromptu game of indoor cricket in their dressing room before returning to their hotel. They are expected to have a light training run today, weather permitting.