League: McClennan braced to lose Whatuira for Tri Nations

Paul Whatuira could be the next casualty from the Kiwis squad, with the centre struggling to overcome a persistent hamstring injury.

A key member of the Kiwis' successful Tri Nations campaign last year, the 25-year-old missed half of this season after picking up the injury during Wests Tigers' round 13 game against the Cowboys. He suffered a recurrence of the injury while training in July when on the verge of making his playing return.

"There's a chance he's going to be out," Kiwis coach Brian McClennan said. "We will give him until about Tuesday but he's struggling to get his hamstrings right."

McClennan this week lost Louis Anderson (stress fracture in his right foot) and Patrick Ah Van (shoulder), who join David Faiumu (groin), Benji Marshall (shoulder) and Jake Webster (shoulder) on the injured list. There's also a doubt over Nathan Fien (back).

McClennan will name the first of his UK-based players this week to join the train-on squad as he prepares for the first Tri Nations test against Australia on October 14.

* Awen Guttenbeil is still expected to play in next year's UK Super League, despite Castleford's relegation. Guttenbeil's contract with Castleford became null and void after a loss to fellow strugglers Wakefield last weekend condemned Castleford to the drop but the 30-year-old second rower is chasing another Super League contract.

"We are pretty confident he can pick something up over there [in the UK]," said his agent, Frank Endacott. "We already had some plans in place in case Castleford were relegated."

Guttenbeil could be a replacement for Wakefield's Monty Betham, who's understood to be returning to New Zealand to pursue a boxing career. There may also be opportunities with the team promoted to Super League, most likely Widnes or Hull KR.

There had been suggestions Guttenbeil might be offered a new deal to fill the Warriors' vacancy created by Sione Faumuina's sacking. But it's understood the Warriors are close to signing a local player to complete their squad.

Guttenbeil also said he had his sights set on further afield. "It would be strange to be here [at the Warriors] next year because I'd said my farewells," Guttenbeil admitted. "Myself and my family have prepared ourselves to go to the UK so if we still can, that would be great. But we are looking at all the options in the NRL and Super League."