League: Back injury frustrates test hopeful

Nathan Fien

Former Queensland representative Nathan Fien hopes injury won't rob him of the chance of a test debut for New Zealand in the Tri-Nations tournament.

Fien, who qualifies for the Kiwis through a grandmother born in Wanganui, was included in the New Zealand train-on squad last month.

His name was missing when the Tri-Nations squad was named on Wednesday but coach Brian McClennan said the 25th and final spot was being kept open for him.

Fien, who was with the Kiwis yesterday at the start of their camp, said he was reasonably confident of getting over his back problem during the course of the seven-week tournament.

"I'm really excited about being in the camp situation, but I've still got the injury cloud over me at the moment," he said.

"Fingers crossed it will come right and maybe I'll get the chance to pull on the jersey."

Fien, 27, was switched from halfback to hooker by the New Zealand Warriors during the course of this year and he could have a key role in the Kiwis' defence of the Tri-Nations crown.

There is no specialist dummy half in the squad, with Dene Halatau, who has been operating at lock for Wests Tigers, being earmarked for the job in the opening test against Australia next Saturday.

Fien, who made one State of Origin appearance for Queensland in 2001, missed three of the Warriors' last four matches because of his injury.

He said he didn't know how long it would be before he was fit to return to action.

"The disc injury is kind of a funny one," he said.

"Some days it feels good and then I do a bit of training and I can be set back for a couple of days with a lot of pain."

- NZPA