League: Snow and sleet hamper Kiwi camp

Frank Pritchard has been ruled out of Sunday morning's Tri-Nations final as a precautionary measure after he suffered a head knock in the win over France last weekend.

"No game is so important to take a risk with somebody's head injury," said coach Brian McClennan.

Pritchard spent a night in hospital under observation, but was cleared of any bone or other permanent damage after x-rays and scans, which ruled out what was thought to be a broken facial plate.

"The concussion was quite serious," McClennan said. "We decided it was in his best interests not to play.

"He's so disappointed but Frank has got a great future ahead of him."

Paul Rauhihi will play in the team to be confirmed today.

Meanwhile, the weather is already playing a hand in preparations as snow and sleet closes in on the north of England.

The Kangaroos have trained at Leeds United's academy and the Kiwis are using facilities at St Helens.

For Aussie Wayne Bennett it has brought back memories of the Broncos' dropping the 2001 World Club Challenge at Bolton after it started to snow mid-game.

"We had that won until the snow came. It's something we're mindful of," he said.

"The conditions will be totally foreign to us if it gets as bad as they say it's going to get.

"We've just got to hope the weather forecasters here are as bad as they are back home. We might be lucky.

"You can wear vests under your jerseys but, other than that, there's not a real lot you can do."

Kangaroos halfback Craig Gower (quad strain) and utility Craig Wing (sternum) are confident of being passed fit to play.

* Stacey Jones' first game for his new club Les Catalans will be on February 11 against Wigan at the new Aime Giral Stadium in Perpignan.

Newly promoted Castleford face Hull on the Friday night to open the new Super League season. The other "new" team are Harlequins, formerly the London Broncos, who have amalgamated with the rugby club. They meet Daniel Anderson's St Helens on the Saturday.