League: Asotasi given Tri-Nations green light from Doggies

SYDNEY - The Kiwis' rugby league selectors have received a boost for the Tri-Nations with Canterbury prop Roy Asotasi cleared to play.

However, Wests Tigers stars Benji Marshall and Dene Halatau remain doubtful, as their club has ordered them to have shoulder surgery after last night's NRL grand final.

They are likely to be in the 40-man squad the Kiwis selectors name today but their availability is not likely to be confirmed either way until tomorrow.

Kiwis coach Brian McClennan will phone the Tigers' pair tomorrow to try to get them to play in the first test against Australia in Sydney on October 15, New Zealand Rugby League vice-president Selwyn Bennett told the Sun-Herald newspaper.

"We haven't given up hope," Bennett said. "It would be a dream to see them play, especially with both of them playing so well at the moment.

"Brian will call them on Tuesday and hopefully they will be telling him they are playing."

Bulldogs doctor Hugh Hazard cleared Asotasi this week but said he should not do impact work in the lead-up to matches because of an ankle injury.

New Zealand Rugby League chairman Selwyn Pearson said Asotasi would not play in friendly matches against England and France, but would be saved for the Tri-Nations tests.

- NZPA