League: Hohaia drafted into Kiwis as Roberts ruled out

Ben Roberts has failed to recover from a hamstring strain. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - Kiwis five-eighth Ben Roberts has been ruled out of tonight's centenary rugby league test against Australia because of a hamstring strain.

Team manager Gordon Gibbons said Roberts suffered the injury at training last night and was scratched from the team list this afternoon.

"Ben's been having treatment all day but it (the injury) just hasn't responded," Gibbons said.

New Zealand Warriors utility Lance Hohaia, part of the extended 19-man squad in Sydney, will take Roberts' place against the Kangaroos at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

"Lance has been playing great footy and he's been part of all our trainings this week," Gibbons said.

The match is due to start at 10pm (NZT) in fine conditions.

- NZPA