League: Kiwis name tri-series final squad

Kiwis coach Brian McClennan has named a 19 man squad for Sunday morning's tri-series rugby league final against Australia at Elland Road in Leeds.

Stand-off Nigel Vagana returns after serving a one match ban for his challenge on Great Britain's Paul Deacon, while Frank Pritchard misses out with concussion.

Stacey Jones is also in as expected, but is yet to arrive back in the UK after the birth of his son William in Auckland.

McClennan says it has been a bit disruptive not having him at training but they have managed okay, and everyone is thrilled with the arrival of the newest Jones family member.

McClennan was not due to announce his side until Friday night, our time, but his hand has been forced after it was revealed in the UK media early on Friday morning.

The Kiwis believe all the disruptions of the UK leg of the tri-series are behind them going into the final.

Whether it be unreasonable travelling schedules or poor training facilities, the Kiwis have had constant disruptions prior to their test matches in the UK.

However, skipper Ruben Wiki says their week in Leeds has been great, and the players are walking around with a spring in their step just knowing that they are in the decider.

The final should be a fiery, physical encounter, if Wiki's assessment is anything to go by.

Wiki says the Kangaroo pack has been consistently strong since their victory in Auckland last month, and the Kiwis will have to step up a notch to match them.

Wiki had surgery on a broken nose last week but says that will not be a problem, and he can not wait to have another shot at the likes of Petero Civoniceva, Jason Ryles and Mark O'Meley.

Kiwis squad:

Brent Webb, Jake Webster, Shontayne Hape, Clinton Toopi, Manu Vatuvei, Nigel Vagana, Stacey Jones, Paul Rauhihi, Motu Tony, Ruben Wiki, David Kidwell, David Solomona, Awen Guttenbeil, Bronson Harrison, David Faiumu, Roy Asotasi, Louis Anderson, Ali Lauitiiti and Paul Whatuira.

- NEWSTALK ZB