League: Rookie Goodwin holds no grudges

Bryson Goodwin is making his first appearance against Australia. Photo / Getty Images

Australia winger Jarryd Hayne has apologised to direct rival Bryson Goodwin for kneeing him in the head during the NRL finals and the New Zealand rookie says he'll carry no grudges into tomorrow's Four Nations clash.

Dally M winner Hayne risked missing the grand final when he left Goodwin concussed with a late challenge during Parramatta's 22-12 preliminary final win over the Bulldogs on September 25 at ANZ Stadium.

At the time, the 23-year-old Goodwin said he did not want to see Hayne miss the premiership decider, but added he would watch a replay before passing judgment on whether the incident had been accidental.

Goodwin had not spoken about the affair since.

But he told NZPA: "He sent me a text me asking if I was all right.

"I'll certainly hold no grudges playing against him this weekend. I know it's one of those things that can happen any time in football."

Largely by coincidence, with Hayne switching from his club position of fullback to wing, Australian debutant Brett Morris preferring the left side and Kiwi Manu Vatuvei being out injured, the pair will face off tomorrow.

Goodwin will be making his first appearance against Australia - for whom his father Ted played three tests - in only his second international, after this month's game against Tonga.

"It will be good to play against Jarryd but I am really trying to concentrate on my own game," he said.

"I haven't actually spoken to dad but he doesn't mind me playing for New Zealand - he's happy about it.

"We'll do well in this tournament. We're ready to go and confident we can win this game."

Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney has predicted Hayne will go looking for the ball from his wing but the man himself was circumspect.

Asked if the wetter Northern Hemisphere conditions could limit his effectiveness, Hayne said: "I've never played in England before so we'll just have to wait and see".

After a day off on Thursday, the Kiwis still have two players to omit from their bench.

Coach Stephen Kearney is not expected to decide until an hour before kick-off.

Hooker Issac Luke is likely to assume the goal-kicking responsibilities for the New Zealanders.

South Sydney's Luke has gone a step further than compatriots who say Australia will have to wait until the 2013 World Cup to reclaim their world champions' tag they lost to New Zealand last year.

"I think we've got that for another 99 years because that was a centenary World Cup," he said.

"They are going to have to wait 100 years to get that back."

- NZPA