League: Rookie talks tough for Kiwis

MANCHESTER - Boom rugby league rookie Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has warned that New Zealand's players will continue to adopt an "all-in" approach if any of their teammates are endangered during the Four Nations.

And he remains nonplussed about the fuss caused by his sledging of rival Petero Civoniceva as an "old man" during the 20-20 draw against Australia in London last Saturday.

Not only was the 20-year-old unapologetic about that, but he said the melee which followed Paul Gallen hitting out at Issac Luke would be repeated if any Kiwi was fouled this Sunday (NZT) against France or in later matches.

"One-in, all-in," the new Sydney Roosters signing said.

"Once one bloke goes in, we go in with him.

"As I said, we've always got each other's back.

"It was just good to show everyone back home, all the critics who think we've got no chance in this tournament, that we're capable of playing at this level."

Waerea-Hargreaves has risk-taking in the blood.

His father, Wayne Hargreaves, was working for United Nations peacekeepers in Cambodia in 1997 when kidnapped by guerrillas. He was held for 16 days before being released in exchange for weapons and supplies.

Waerea-Hargreaves has only recently got to know his dad, who has also served in trouble spots Kosovo and Baghdad.

He was encouraged by his father to visit Rwanda with a group of National Rugby League players last year on a Christian-driven charity mission.

"Twelve months ago I was in Rwanda and if I didn't make this squad, I was going again," he said.

"I would have been there, but to be here is just unreal and it was always going to be another life experience."

Waerea-Hargreaves said a chat with Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney set the scene for his fiery outing against Australia, highlighted by a thunderous hit on Sam Thaiday.

"Steve had a word to me and said `take your opportunities as they come'," he said.

"I guess one of them just said to me `go hard' and I guess it came off. I was pretty happy with it, awesome.

"It was an unreal feeling to be out there with my brothers and a thing I will never forget.

"We were pretty happy with the result, absolutely. The ball's in our court."

The Kiwis held a weights session on their first full day in Toulouse yesterday when new addition Eddy Pettybourne joined them in camp.

The 103kg South Sydney forward's services were secured before the tournament and the Kiwis registered him as their 24th player before taking 23 to Europe.

Injuries to Greg Eastwood and Bronson Harrison prompted Kearney to widen the squad and Pettybourne's arrival will give the coach some back row flexibility.

Harrison suffered a calf injury against Australia that may sideline him for the remainder of the tournament, while Eastwood missed that match due to a hamstring injury.

The Kiwis were scheduled to name their side to play France tomorrow.

While Harrison is not expected to be a consideration, Eastwood, Jeff Lima (calf), Frank Pritchard (corked thigh) and Issac Luke (head wound) are all likely to be available.

- NZPA