League: Another nailbiter in series forecast

LEEDS - Australian lock Tonie Carroll believes the Tri-Nations test between New Zealand and Great Britain at Huddersfield this weekend is too close to call.

"There's no way I'm sticking my neck on the line for that one," the former Kiwis centre said.

"It's going to be a quality match and I hope to be there to see it."

Carroll has played in all three of Australia's matches in the tournament so far - the draw and win over New Zealand, and last Sunday's last-gasp victory over Great Britain.

"They're very similar teams," he said.

"They're strong in the forwards and they've got a backline that can destroy you."

He said the contest between them looked so well balanced that he would not be surprised if a field goal ended up deciding it.

Despite having worn the Kiwis jersey five times during the 2000 World Cup, Christchurch-born Carroll said he was neutral as far as who his sentimental favourite was.

He wanted his former test team-mates to perform well, "but that's about it, because I'm playing for Australia now".

Carroll spent a stint at the Leeds Rhinos before leaving in 2002 to return to his previous club, the Brisbane Broncos.

Australia are already guaranteed a place in the Tri-Nations final in Leeds on November 28, while New Zealand want at least a point on Sunday to ensure their fate remains in their own hands.

Carroll's Kangaroo team-mates echoed his views about the test.

Winger Luke Rooney, scorer of five tries already in the series, including the winner against Great Britain, was equally reticent about predicting a result.

"It will be a tough match because they're both great sides, but I just can't say."

Halfback Craig Gower believed a key issue would be how Great Britain bounced back from the agony of losing to the Kangaroos in the final minute in Manchester.

"If they shrug off that loss, it will be a good sign for them," he said.

"They've both been tough opposition.

"I suppose home ground advantage might favour the Great Britain side."

Skipper Darren Lockyer, who was sidelined last weekend by a rib injury, said the battle between two big forward packs would be the key.

"The backs can only go as well as the forwards," he said.

"It will be whoever wins the forward battle and lays the platform for the backs, and how the backline takes advantage of that."

Pressed for a tip, Lockyer paused before answering: "The Kiwis by one. There seem to be a lot of close games in this tournament, so a field goal to win it."


- NZPA