League: British press claim Vagana 'in hiding'

Kiwis stand-off Nigel Vagana is the latest victim of the British tabloid press' relentless character assassination of New Zealand rugby players, having been branded a thug by the country's largest selling newspaper The Sun.

The paper reacted to Vagana's unavailability for media interviews ahead of Sunday morning's (NZ time) Tri-Nations final against Australia with a story headlined "Kiwis hide thug Vagana" -- a reference to the tackle that left Great Britain halfback Paul Deacon requiring major facial surgery when the sides met in Huddersfield 10 days ago.

The Kiwis standoff has been keeping a low profile since receiving a one-match ban that was widely criticised for its leniency in the British press.

That Vagana has already served the ban by sitting out the Kiwis' test against France last week and will be available to face the Kangaroos has only added fuel to the fire.

Former Kiwis prop Joe Vagana, a teammate of Deacon at Bradford, believes the attacks on his cousin are uncalled for.

"Nigel was pretty upset that Deacs (Deacon) got badly injured," he said.

"No one goes out to intentionally hurt anyone.

"I spoke to Deacs a week after his operation and he was fine. His face was a bit puffed but his spirits were fine. He had nothing bad to say towards Nigel.

"He himself said it was one of those freakish accidents."

With Nigel being kept out of sight by the Kiwis camp ahead of Saturday's Tri-Nations final against the Kangaroos, catching up with his cousin hasn't been easy for Joe.

"Nigel has come round home a few times but he's been too scared to go into Bradford city in case he gets mauled," he joked.

"Deacon's injury reminded Vagana of a similar but more severe injury suffered by former Kiwis fullback Richie Barnett, whose faced was wrecked in a head-clash with Kangaroo winger Wendell Sailor in the 2000 Anzac test.

Barnett spent weeks in hospital and was sidelined for almost a year.

"I'm just glad Deacs didn't end up like Richie, who still has got 10 plates in his face," Vagana said.

"His whole face was pretty mashed up. He doesn't go too good going through airport security."

Joe Vagana, who featured for the Kiwis for the first time in five years in the victory over Great Britain in Warrington, believes the they can cause an upset on Sunday.

"They've shown a few weeks ago that they can beat Australia and they've got every chance. I'm sure if the boys cut out their mistakes they can come up trumps."

After several lean years for the New Zealand Warriors and the Kiwis, the national side's recent performances seemed to have re-ignited interest in the game, he said.

"It's good for the game. People are getting back into supporting the boys."

Second rower Frank Pritchard won't be considered for selection against Australia after receiving a serious head-knock in the victory over France.

Australian coach Wayne Bennett believes Stacey Jones will suffer from jet lag if he plays in the final after arriving from New Zealand, as planned, just 26 hours before kick-off.

"I'm glad it's him doing it and not me," Bennett said here.

"He'll be affected by it, I don't think there's any doubt about that. To what extent, I don't know. But we're all affected by jet travel."

Jones made a fleeting trip to Auckland to be with his wife who was expecting to give birth to their third child.

- NZPA