League: Kiwis look to shut down Hayne

Jarryd Hayne has been named on the wing for the Kangaroos. Photo / Getty Images

LONDON - New Zealand winger Bryson Goodwin not only faces his major international initiation against the country his dad represented with distinction this weekend, but he must mark the world's form rugby league player.

The Bulldogs star numbering up on Jarryd Hayne was the major news today out of the Kiwis side to face Australia at the Stoop on Sunday (NZT).

Coach Stephen Kearney's side also featured callups for centre Junior Sau in preference to Krisnan Inu, halfback Nathan Fien edging out Thomas Leuluai, prop Fuifui Moimoi returning after a two-year absence, and youngster Keiran Foran landing a bench spot.

Asked who would mark Hayne, the National Rugby League's Dally M winner for 2009, New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney said: "It will be Bryson if he (Hayne) plays on their right".

Goodwin's father Ted was a former Australian test fullback. Bryson won his first test cap last week against Tonga.

The right is where Hayne trained yesterday.

Kearney said it would be every player's job to limit the effectiveness of the Parramatta star, who has been moved away from his club position of fullback for his northern hemisphere debut.

"We've got some handy guys with the football too," Kearney said. "It's our plan to make sure we apply as much pressure with the ball as we can.

"I think he is dangerous wherever he (Hayne) is. I'm sure he'll go looking for the ball if he's on the wing and he's got the ability to cause any defensive line some real problems."

Australia, meanwhile, named three debutants - winger Brett Morris, prop Ben Hannant and interchange forward Brett White.

Earlier today, the Kiwis lost utility Greg Eastwood to a hamstring injury.

"He hurt his hamstring two days ago and we're not prepared to take risks with it," team doctor Simon Mayhew said.

"He's unlikely, obviously, to be ready for the weekend and we'll just look after him and the target will be to get him ready for the French game.

"He's got good power in it, good stretch, but one of the rules of thumb are that you've got to have a good week of training before he plays the game, otherwise the risks of injuring it are too high."

St George Illawarra's Morris said he was stunned to make his test debut at the end of a season which started with him in reserve grade.

"From where I was to where I am now, it's like a rollercoaster," he said after an Australian team training session at St Paul's College in Hammersmith.

"It's a long way from Ron Costello Oval in Shellharbour to over here."

The selection also gave Brett bragging rights over brother Josh, who was a selection rival.

"He gave me a fair bit of a ribbing with him playing State of Origin before me," the twin said.

"I've got one up on him now. I'll leave it at that."

Morris will play on the left wing, Hayne on the right. Morris admitted deferring to the Parramatta star.

"I didn't really have first choice," he said.

"Me and Haynesy sort of spoke about it. Obviously I played on the left with the Dragons all year and Haynesy played mostly fullback.

"I just asked he what he preferred and he just said `I'll go right and you go left'."

Bulldog Hannant said he felt humbled at filling the boots of the likes of injured Steve Price, the Warriors captain.

"How many football players get to play for their country at the highest level and get to have a tour to England?" he said.

Both teams trained in London today. The Kiwis were due to have tomorrow off.

The tournament kicks off with England hosting France at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday.

- NZPA