League: Kiwis furious at Vainikolo's surgery

UK based winger Lesley Vainikolo has been ruled out of the Kiwis squad for the rest of the Tri-Series in England.

Vainikolo has had knee surgery in the last 24 hours, although Kiwi management knew nothing about the operation.

NZRL deputy chairman Sel Bennett said they are extremely disappointed with the late withdrawal, describing it as a disgrace, and they are expecting some kind of explanation from his Bradford Bulls club and the International League board.

He said they were given an assurance by Bradford that their own Kiwis medical team would be allowed to have a look at Vainikolo's knee before any operation, but this clearly did not happen.

In an ironic twist, Bradford's coach Brian Noble is also coach of the Great Britain test side.

As for the Australians, Andrew Johns has been ruled out of the rest of the campaign, having aggravated an old knee injury in last Friday's win over the Kiwis.

Having had the knee scanned, he has agreed with the team doctor not to take part in the rest of the tour.

Johns said the knee has not been right for some time, with two hours of physio each day for the last few weeks not making a difference, and he has to accept he is no good in the team if he is not 100 per cent.

Johns said the knee is sore to walk on, so if he gets it cleared up now it should be ok to train on in December and January.

Australian selectors are expected to name a replacement player on Tuesday.

Australia play Great Britain next week at Wigan.

- NEWSTALK ZB