League: Halfback headache for the Kiwis

Halfback is the position causing some angst in the Kiwis ahead of their third straight Tri-Nations game, against Great Britain at London's shortened Loftus Rd Stadium next Saturday.

Stacey Jones did not fly out with the squad but leaves for France today, his further involvement in the series unsure.

Lance Hohaia is off the crutches after he tore ankle ligaments in game one against Australia, but his participation is also uncertain and might be affected by the flight to Britain.

The Kiwis caught the plane out of Auckland at lunchtime on Saturday and had no other injury concerns when they boarded, but long flights can change that where deep tissue injuries are concerned.

Coming into the squad are Ali Lauitiiti and Lesley Vainikolo, but the NZRL confirmed yesterday that Robbie Paul was still in the frame should Jones and Hohaia both be unavailable.

Motu Tony is the other halfback option - but then who plays hooker?

David Faiumu was a good impact player but ran out of steam doing that so he could not be expected to stand up for 80 minutes. Louis Anderson is a much better performer at lock.

Clinton Toopi is expected to return to the midfield when the team is named early on Wednesday (NZT).

At the same time, coach Brian McClennan and selectors must confirm their full 25 for the rest of the series, having named just 23 players so far. Paul is sure to be among those.

Australian halfback Andrew Johns is in doubt for the rest of the series after aggravating a long-term knee injury during Friday night's two-point win over the Kiwis.

Johns tore the right knee on which he has had a full reconstruction.

He admitted afterwards that he had been struggling at pre-test trainings and the injury was bothering him going into the game. He is to undergo an scan today and a decision on his further involvement will come after that.

The Great Britain squad has just completed a four-day training camp at Marbella, Spain.

"The weather conditions over here are excellent, as are the facilities, and that means we are benefiting from some high-quality preparation," said coach Brian Noble.

"We are continuing what we began at the mid-season camp at Bath University and the squad are working very well together. Once again, a superb spirit is developing among the players."

Noble has studied the two Kiwis-Kangaroos games.

"After their last two performances, we have seen that the Kiwis are a world-class team and we need to be ready to play," he said.

"We hope the Great Britain supporters can help by giving us their maximum vocal backing.

"The noise they make can provide such a tremendous lift for the team and all of us want our fans to make themselves heard in London next Saturday night."

Among those sheltering from Hurricane Wilma in Cancun, Mexico, is the Warriors' new halfback Grant Rovelli.

He has been holidaying there with the Monaghan brothers Michael and Joel and Souths hooker Stuart Webb.

Player update

* Robbie Paul on standby for Kiwis.

* Stacey Jones heads for France today.

* Lance Hohaia still in doubt leaving halfback hole for Kiwis.

* The Kangaroos' Andrew Johns in doubt for rest of series.