League: Webster latest addition to Tri Nations injury list

Jake Webster has joined Benji Marshall and David Faiumu on the injured list and will be unavailable for the Kiwis' defence of the Tri Nations.

The 22-year-old Melbourne Storm winger, who debuted for the Kiwis in last year's Tri Nations, is having a shoulder reconstruction that will rule him out of action for up to four months.

Webster is in the Storm squad to take on the Eels today but is having shoulder surgery as soon as his involvement with the NRL playoffs is over. He's signed with NRL new boys the Gold Coast Titans for the next three seasons and the medical staff at the Titans have indicated to the NZRL that Webster needs surgery.

"We have known about it for some time and while it hasn't been confirmed yet, it's looking likely he will miss the Tri Nations," Kiwis coach Brian McClennan said.

"If we were to turn the clock back a year, everyone was surprised that Jake and Manu [Vatuvei] were in the side but they went on to do some great things. It just means an opportunity for someone else."

The Melbourne-born Webster has made six test appearances, including the 50-12 Anzac test defeat to Australia in May, but McClennan is well served at wing with Vatuvei, Lesley Vainikolo, Matt Utai and Tame Tupou among those battling for selection.

Even though Marshall and Faiumu play in the key positions of five-eighths and hooker respectively, McClennan is better served in these areas than 12 months ago.

Warriors No 6 Jerome Ropati, who missed last year's tournament through injury, has developed into a handy player and the versatile Nathan Fien, who has pledged his allegiance to New Zealand, can slot into hooker, halfback, or five-eighths.

Marshall has missed most of the NRL season with yet another shoulder injury while Faiumu went under the knife for a long-standing groin injury.

Injured duo Roy Asotasi (knee) and Nathan Cayless (fractured eye socket) have both indicated they expect to be fit and available for selection. Cayless returns to action for the Eels against the Storm today, while there are hopes Asotasi might play later in the playoffs if the Bulldogs survive.

The pair would be high in McClennan's plans, particularly Asotasi, who last week was named the NRL's prop of the year at the Dally M awards.

Already 19 players have been named in a training squad, including 11 from the Warriors, and McClennan will continue adding names as NRL teams are eliminated from the playoffs. UK-based players will also be announced with the regular Super League season due to finish on September 18, ahead of their grand final on October 15.

The Tri Nations kicks off on October 14, when the Kiwis host the Kangaroos at Mt Smart Stadium.

The NZRL Kiwis Association is hosting a lunch on Friday at the Mangere East Rugby League Club to discuss 'The Road Ahead for New Zealand Rugby League'.

Brian McClennan and former Kiwis coach Frank Endacott will be among the guests.