League: Kiwis lose key forward for Anzac test

Kiwis forward Jeremy Smith is out for a month with a knee injury. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand will be without key forward Jeremy Smith for the one-off rugby league test against Australia next month.

Abrasive loose forward Smith, who hasn't played for the Kiwis since his key role in their 2008 World Cup final triumph, faces at least a month on the sideline after injuring his knee in St George Illawarra's National Rugby League defeat of Brisbane yesterday.

The Dragons club said Smith had strained posterior cruciate ligaments and will be out for 4-6 weeks, meaning he is no chance of playing in the May 7 Anzac test in Melbourne.

A range of injuries prevented Smith from playing for his country last year and his latest demise will come as a blow to Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney.

- NZPA