Photos: Transtasman test - 10 to watchKEY POINTS:
It was full rock star treatment for Kiwis fullback Brent Webb, who galloped on to the training field yesterday as planned for Friday's centenary test.
Limousines, massages, first-class flights ... there was little spared to ensure a smooth journey from Cardiff, where Webb played for Leeds on Sunday morning, to Sydney where the Kangaroos await at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
He was whisked to London by limousine, which cost around £350 ($878), slept at a Heathrow airport hotel, received a massage the following morning then boarded the first-class section.
After a 24-hour flight he arrived in Sydney on Monday night and joined the team for training yesterday.
"They really looked after me and made sure I was comfortable on the way over so I feel pretty good today," Webb said.
"I've done it in the Tri-Nations where we've played then travelled and had to back up the next week. It's not that new to me, so I'm just keen to get out there and get stuck in."
Given the effort made to secure Webb's services, it was hardly surprising. The Rugby League International Federation insisted Leeds release Webb after they initially refused, saying he was required for their Challenge Cup fifth round match against Harlequins.
"I was put in a bit of a hard spot but it was sorted out for me.
"I told Stephen [coach Kearney] I wanted to be here from day one, that's why the NZRL fought so hard and I'm glad to be here.
"I left it to the club and the RLIF. I wanted to stay as far away from it as I could and eventually the decision was made for everyone.
"I left with the club's blessing and I'm looking forward to getting back there next week."
Webb arrived to a buoyant Kiwis camp and met new assistant coach Wayne Bennett, who ran their defensive drills yesterday. The fullback missed last year's disastrous international season, with the last of his 16 tests the extra time loss to the Kangaroos in the epic 2006 Tri-Nations final at the Sydney Football Stadium.
Kearney confirmed his playing 17 yesterday, with veteran South Sydney forward David Kidwell and Warriors utility Lance Hohaia the unlucky players to miss out.
Kearney didn't relish the decision to cut Kidwell, the 24-test second-rower who played under him at the Melbourne Storm in 2006. "It was a real tough call and he was very good about it.
"He understood that when we named the 19 players there would be a chance he wouldn't be in the starting side."
Kidwell joined recent test team-mates Ruben Wiki and Stacey Jones, now on the coaching staff, in opposing the test side at training.
It means three test debutants on Friday: St George-Illawarra winger Jason Nightingale, Sydney Roosters centre Setaimata Sa and Souths hooker Issac Luke.
Luke won the starting hooker's spot ahead of Wests Tigers' Dene Halatau.
Kearney opted for a back row trio of Sonny Bill Williams, Simon Mannering and David Fa'alogo, with a bench of Halatau, Jeremy Smith, Adam Blair and Frank Pritchard.
"I'm still undecided who takes the field yet. They may not run out like that, we'll see what happens," Kearney said. Now all that remains is for halfback Thomas Leuluai to replicate Webb's journey from London and arrive safely for closed training at the SCG today, just over 48 hours from kickoff.
Defence, against a star-studded Kangaroos side, was the main focus yesterday and Kearney insisted Leuluai would fit in easily.
"Once Thomas gets here he needs to call the shots.
"We'll have everything worked out for him, there will be no worries there."
- NZPA
