League: Kearney out of luck as injuries hit squad

Stephen Kearney.

You can no longer say Stephen Kearney is a "lucky" coach.

The injury enforced withdrawal of Dallin Watene-Zelzaniak, which followed the loss of Isaac Luke through a dubiously applied suspension rule, continued the recent run of misfortune for the Kiwis coach.

He goes into Saturday's match against the Kangaroos without his two key attacking weapons (Watene-Zelzaniak and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck) and the hardest player to replace in the Kiwis squad (Luke).

In his early days as New Zealand coach Kearney seemed to have an angel of fortune on his shoulder. He inherited a solid Kiwis squad and got to serve his international apprenticeship alongside Wayne Bennett. Kearney scored two wins and a draw against the Kangaroos in his first three seasons but since then that gold dust has disappeared. Vital players always seem to disappear before important games - Kieran Foran and Simon Mannering before this year's Anzac test are more examples - which can shape the destiny of the contest.

Watene-Zelzaniak is out with a minor fracture in his foot, after what Kearney described as a "mishap at the beach" during a light training session on Monday.

Gerard Beale has replaced the Penrith winger in the 17 in a curious decision, given Manu Vatuvei is in the squad and coming off his best NRL season in three years. Josh Hoffman comes into the wider squad, after initially being unlucky to miss out on selection.

Kearney wouldn't elaborate on the Beale decision: "We feel [Beale] is the best fit for us for this game," said Kearney. "Manu has got a great deal of experience so it was a tough decision. Gerard is the best fit for us."

There are obviously concerns over Vatuvei's defensive shortcomings, but the Kiwis now lack a cutting edge out wide. Beale, Peta Hiku and Jason Nightingale are solid players but lack x-factor. They are not going to run over or through the Kangaroos' backline.

The New Zealand side are also short of attacking weapons off bombs. Who will be the threats when Shaun Johnson and Foran go to the air?

Nevertheless, the Kiwis are a redoubtable bunch and always quick to move on from setbacks. Yesterday's training session was particularly intense, in the sweltering midday heat at North Devils Leagues club in Brisbane. Thomas Leuluai was a standout as he directed the forwards around and Johnson and Foran worked on their edge routines. Former Kiwis Quentin Pongia and Clinton Toopi also took part in the two-hour practice, and made their mark in the opposed session.

"They were training hard, putting a few big shots on so it was good to see," said Kiwis prop Jesse Bromwich about the veteran duo.

"The way [Quentin] whacked Kieran Foran today I was getting a bit worried," Kearney said with a laugh. "But they gave us some extra numbers in an opposed session and the guys loved having them around."

Jason Taumalolo remained off limits to all media, despite numerous requests. The test rookie will be sheltered until after the game but is already making his presence felt.

"He's a special talent," said Johnson.