League: Kiwis squad hard to pick

Tony Puletua is out for a good length of time.

The Kiwis head into next week's ANZAC test wracked by injury and probable suspension, with the squad due to be revealed on Tuesday.

Key forward Tony Puletua is out for the rest of the season with a chest injury.

Penrith manager Mick Leary says Puletua needs surgery and in a worst-case scenario will be off the field for six months.

Convener of selectors Keith Pittman says the whole selection process is taking longer than expected and it is proving hard to pick a side.

He says having so many players ruled out through injury and suspension is taking its toll.

Sonny Bill Williams, Joe Galuvao and Brent Webb are in serious doubt.

Warriors Monty Betham and Tevita Latu face lengthy suspensions after being charged by the NRL judiciary, with Ruben Wiki available, but underdone.

Incumbent test number seven Thomas Leuluai should be one UK based player called home with Jerome Ropati or Benji Marshall his likely partner at five eighth.

Rising stars Frank Pritchard and Bronson Harrison could make the extended test squad, but expect the selectors to go for experience in naming their final playing 17.

Meanwhile, New Zealand League chairman Selwyn Pearson is repeating his calls for Kiwi players to be eligible for both their country of birth and State of Origin.

Pearson says people are soon going to get sick and tired of the same team winning all the time.

He had thought he was fighting a "lonely crusade" on the simmering issue but has since been backed by Australian selector Arthur Beetson and league legend Peter Sterling.

- NEWSTALK ZB