KEY POINTS:
The Kiwis' rugby league World Cup hopes received a boost today when key centre Steve Matai was cleared to join their squad after seeing a medical specialist in Sydney today.
Matai had been on the doubtful list after playing through Manly's National Rugby League championship title run with a shoulder injury.
But Matai was told today his shoulder would not require immediate surgery, clearing him to take his place in the Kiwis' 24-strong World Cup squad.
- NZPA
