League: Additions to Kiwis squad named

1.25pm UPDATE - By ROBERT LOWE

Five British-based players were today added to the New Zealand squad for the English leg of the Tri-Nations rugby league tournament.

They had been unavailable for the drawn test against Australia in Auckland yesterday because of their involvement in this morning's English Super League grand final in Manchester.

They are Bradford skipper and utility Robbie Paul, forward Logan Swann and backs Lesley Vainikolo and Shontayne Hape, and Leeds second rower Ali Lauiti'iti.

Both centre Hape and winger Vainikolo scored for the Bulls at Old Trafford, but they were unable to prevent Leeds from claiming the Super League title with a 16-8 victory.

There are no surprises in the Kiwi squad, which contains four uncapped players in Hape, Melbourne Storm prop Alex Chan, Bulldog outside back Jamaal Lolesi and Wests Tigers centre Dene Halatau.

While the tour party will be 25 strong, the selectors released just 24 names, with the availability of utility Motu Tony still to be confirmed.

Tony became a father for the first time three days before playing in the 16-16 draw with Australia at North Harbour Stadium.

New Zealand Rugby League general manager Peter Cordtz said Tony had been affected more than expected by the birth of his son.

"He's somewhat conflicted about leaving his new baby and his wife this week," he said.

"For compassionate reasons, the selectors have given him some quiet time to make his decision."

Cordtz said Tony, who is switching from relegated Castleford to Hull in the off-season, would realistically have to give his answer by Thursday.

That would leave enough time to get him to London for the return match against Australia on Sunday morning (NZ time), if he did want to tour.

Three others from the opening Tri-Nations test were ruled out of the trip to England because of previously scheduled off-season surgery.

They are Penrith second rowers Tony Puletua and Joe Gulavao, and Bulldog winger Matt Utai.

New Zealand tour party: Louis Anderson (New Zealand Warriors), Vinnie Anderson (Warriors), Roy Asotasi (Bulldogs), Jason Cayless (Sydney Roosters), Nathan Cayless (Parramatta), Alex Chan (Melbourne), Dene Halatau (Wests Tigers), Shontayne Hape (Bradford), David Kidwell (Melbourne Storm), Wairangi Koopu (Warriors), Ali Lauitiiti (Leeds), Thomas Leuluai (Warriors), Jamaal Lolesi (Bulldogs), Francis Meli (Warriors), Robbie Paul (Bradford), Paul Rauhihi (North Queensland), Logan Swann (Bradford), Clinton Toopi (Warriors), Nigel Vagana (Cronulla), Lesley Vainikolo (Bradford), Brent Webb (Warriors), Paul Whatuira (Penrith), Ruben Wiki (Canberra, captain), Sonny Bill Williams (Bulldogs).

- NZPA