KEY POINTS:
Australian Rugby League boss Colin Love has stepped into the Kiws' latest club versus country row to ensure Brent Webb and Thomas Leuluai will play in the test match against Australia next week.
Leeds fullback Webb and Wigan halfback Thomas Leuluai were named in the 19-man New Zealand squad yesterday but have yet to be released by their clubs to play in the match on May 9.
The Super League clubs want the players to turn out for them in the fifth round of the knock out Challenge Cup competition even though the international constitution states test matches take preferences over club games.
With a number of Kiwi stars ruled out through injury Love needs New Zealand to field their strongest possible side for the Sydney test which is celebrating 100 years of rugby league in Australia.
Love said he is prepared to put pressure on the British Rugby Football League to make sure Leuluai and Webb are released by their clubs and he is confident the pair will play.
Love said he expects to hear from the RFL today, who have indicated they will play by the rules.
Those words are bad news for unlucky Warriors hooker Nathan Fien, who missed out on selection.
Souths rake Issac Luke was chosen ahead of Fien, who was involved in the "grannygate" scandal in 2006 but has now qualified to play for Kiwis under residency grounds.
Fien is ready to answer the Kiwis call if Wigan do not release Leuluai and could provide cover as a utility, having played plenty of halfback throughout his career.
He said he still has his fingers crossed for playing a part in the test, but admits the squad is a good one.
Kiwis:
Roy Asotasi (South Sydney Rabbitohs, captain), Brent Webb (Leeds Rhinos), Sam Perrett (Sydney Roosters), Jason Nightingale (St George Illawarra Dragons), Setaimata Sa (Sydney Roosters), Iosia Soliola (Sydney Roosters), Ben Roberts (Bulldogs), Lance Hohaia (NZ Warriors), Thomas Leuluai (Wigan Warriors), Simon Mannering (NZ Warriors), Sonny Bill Williams (Bulldogs), Jeremy Smith (Melbourne Storm), David Fa'alogo (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Frank Pritchard (Penrith Panthers), David Kidwell (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Dene Halatau (Wests Tigers), Adam Blair (Melbourne Storm), Nathan Cayless (Parramatta Eels), Issac Luke (South Sydney Rabbitohs).
- NEWSTALK ZB, NZ HERALD STAFF
