KEY POINTS:
Brent Webb is bravely trying to put professional and personal anguish behind him to keep his adopted country's Tri-Nations rugby league title defence from ending prematurely at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.
The Kiwis fullback, judged man of the match in New Zealand's last outing against Great Britain, is preparing himself for another pivotal performance against the Lions despite the distractions of a rushed trip back to his native Queensland.
While his Kiwis teammates were on a temporary high after their 18-14 victory at Jade Stadium, Webb was heading for Christchurch airport, en route to Cairns to be with relatives after a family bereavement.
Webb's predicament put the Kiwis' wretched campaign into perspective, though his determination to return to the fray also underlined the resolve with a team that has suffered setbacks at an alarming rate.
The elusive counter attacker, who lit up Jade Stadium with a superb 90-metre solo try against the Lions on October 28, was philosophical about his difficult time off the field.
"Things have been take care of over there, I've got a job to do here now. There were no plans to miss the game, it's good to be back in the camp."
The Super League bound-New Zealand Warriors favourite was initially unaware his inspiring performance was all for naught after compatriot Nathan Fien cost the Kiwis two competition points after he was ruled ineligible for selection.
And he took the news stoically, toeing the party line as the squad refused to comment on the blunder which leaves the Kiwis as long shots to make the November 25 final, nevermind beat the Kangaroos for the first time in a year.
"Yeah it's hard to take, but we've moved on from there. It's out of our control."
Webb was in sublime form down south, saving a certain try when swatting the ball from Danny McGuire's grasp over the line and instinctively looming in support in the lead up to Iosia Soliola's second half touch down.
He also milked a relieving penalty when inciting Adrian Morley to rabbit punch him in frustration after elbowing the Lions hardman when he was tackled.
Those game turning incidents are history now though as the Kiwis battle to stay alive past this weekend.
"We have to win this game, simple as that, then sit back and wait," said Webb.
The negative points differential of 28 against Great Britain means the Kiwis must win, and preferably win big before relying on the Kangaroos to win in Brisbane Saturday week.
A key offensive attacking weapon from deep, or scampering out of dummy half, Webb cautioned against all out attack against a Lions side capable of capitalising on spilt possession.
"They were written off as the third wheel but they've shown time and time again they're a quality side.
"They've got a team full of game breakers so we need to do our job around the ruck and grind out a win first.
"You can't really go out there and just expect to score a lot of points."
The Kiwis hold their final training session today.
- NZPA
