League: Kiwis draft three new players

The Kiwis will draft in at least three players to join the squad to face Great Britain next weekend. UK-based winger Henry Faafili, halfback Robbie Paul and second-rower Willie Poching have agreed to play, while coach Brian McClennan was also hopeful of bringing in prop Joe Vagana and loose forward Vinnie Anderson.

These players are all on stand by for the Tri-Nations and there are also a number of players in this country keeping in shape should they be required. McClennan declined to comment on who they were. A replacement hasn't been called into the squad following the controversial withdrawal of winger Lesley Vainikolo and the imminent departure of Stacey Jones.

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Anzac Test 2006

Next year's Anzac Test will be played in Australia on May 5. The New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) opted to let Australia host the match because of the greater profits from a game hosted across the Tasman. More than 40,000 turned out for the one-off test this year at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium, while only 18,000 ventured to a soggy Ericsson Stadium for last weekend's Tri-Nations test. "It helps us out a lot financially for the game to be played in Australia," NZRL chairman Selwyn Pearson said. The NZRL is expected to insist on hosting the 2007 Anzac Test as part of its centennial celebrations.

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Warriors shares

The NZRL looks set to ditch its 10 per cent shareholding in the Warriors after the club offered to buy the shares from the governing body. The Warriors board recently offered to relieve the NZRL of their shareholding, thus removing the financial implications they have as a minority part-owner. "Nothing has been decided yet but our preference is to let them go," NZRL chairman Selwyn Pearson said.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY