League: Puletua flies the Kiwi flag

Kiwis coach Brian McClennan received some good news at last with the announcement Penrith have given second-rower Tony Puletua permission to play in the Tri Nations.

The 26-year-old has been overcoming a long-term injury after tearing a pectoral muscle in April and won't play in the NRL again this season but should be fit to face Australia in Sydney on October 15.

"That's fantastic news because he is one of the best back-rowers in the world and Penrith have suffered this year without him," McClennan said.

Bulldogs loose forward Sonny Bill Williams (knee) and Roosters prop Jason Cayless (ankle) are unavailable, and doubts remain over the availability of Tigers sensation Benji Marshall (shoulder).

It has prompted McClennan to scour the NRL for players eligible for the Kiwis, with Storm winger Jake Webster unearthed as a possible international after the Moonee Ponds-born 21-year-old indicated he would be open to pulling on the black and white Kiwis jersey. Webster's father is from Northland.

McClennan has also adopted a door-is-always-open policy with Karmichael Hunt, assuring the Broncos fullback he'll be welcomed into the fold should he change his mind and elect to play for his country of birth.

McLennan has contacted Hunt's manager to guarantee the 18-year-old there would be no hard feelings after he chose to chase a Queensland State of Origin jersey instead.

"It was a courtesy call to say that it's a new era of Kiwi league here and whether he'd like to reconsider," McClennan explained. "It's up to him."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY