League: Matai ruled out

Kiwis centre Steve Matai has been ruled out of Sunday's (NZT) test against England at Huddersfield.

The accidental poke in the eye he received in the French test needs more time to heal.

Captain Benji Marshall says losing Matai is a blow.

"When you lose Steve you lose a lot of aggression," Marshall said. "He brings a big defensive game to our team and runs the ball up as well."

Marshall says Matai is gutted as it is devastating anytime you get to miss out on a test match.

The Kiwis have travelled to Huddersfield today for a look at the venue. With authorities not allowing teams to train on the ground, the Kiwis took the chance after their training run to have a walk around.

The venue is familiar to some of the Kiwis, including Fuifui Moimoi, Lance Hohaia, Sam Perrett, Thomas Leuluai, Frank Pritchard and Greg Eastwood. They played there in the first test loss against Great Britain in 2007.

Stephen Kearney is planning to name his side on Friday morning.

- NEWSTALK ZB