Thomas Leuluai, the 33-test hooker, believes the Kiwis can improve. Photo / Getty Images
He's been one of the best Kiwis in the current Four Nations tournament, but Thomas Leuluai won't be turning out in Wellington this weekend.
Hooker Thomas Leuluai has been ruled out of the Kiwis line-up for Saturday's Four Nations final against Australia at Westpac Stadium.
The Warriors utility, who was
in the starting XIII for the wins against Australia and England over the past three weeks, sustained a shoulder injury - as well as a badly gashed face - during his match against England in Dunedin.
Tests this week showed he would not be fit play in the final, so Issac Luke has been promoted from the bench, with utility Lewis Brown joining the playing line-up.
Otherwise, Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney has stuck to the same team that held out the English, taking the precaution of naming back Gerard Beale and forward Bodene Thompson as 18th and 19th men.
