League: Row brewing over release of test players

Clinton Toopi

The New Zealand Rugby League is bracing for more confrontation with NRL clubs over availability of players for the test against Great Britain in 10 days time.

The Australasian-based players are to fly out on Tuesday, but clubs including the Warriors are waiting to see if they pick up injury problems this weekend before releasing them.

The 22-man squad is to be cut to 19, and the NRL clubs concerned were to be notified of confirmed selection and asked to release players overnight. It appeared four were likely to be cleared - Fuifui Moimoi (Eels), Greg Eastwood (Broncos), Ben Roberts (Bulldogs) and David Kidwell (Storm) while two remained in doubt, Clinton Toopi (Warriors) and Iosaia Soliola (Roosters).

"We expect the confirmation of selection to bring any issues to a head," said NZRL manager Peter Cordtz.

Coach Brian McClennan, the team managers and medics leave tomorrow and the full squad is to be assembled in Manchester by Wednesday.

There was an encouraging development with Les Catalans confirming the release of halfback and intended captain Stacey Jones, after making noises about refusing his involvement.

The England Rugby League boss, Richard Lewis, wrote to all Super League clubs telling them the test took priority and requiring release of all players selected.

Hopefully the same approach will apply to future Anzac and Tri-nations tests Downunder. If New Zealand and Britain vote for that to apply generally at future international federation meetings, they outvote Australia.

The Lions are continuing a series of training camps ahead of the game at Knowlsey Rd on June 27 and have cut their wider squad to 20.

Bradford Bulls' Jamie Langley, St Helens prop James Graham and St Helens winger Ade Gardner remain in contention for their first international caps, the other 17 all being test-hardened.

Great Britain

Sean O'Loughlin (Wigan Warriors), Terry Newton (Bradford Bulls), Jamie Peacock (Leeds Rhinos), Lee Gilmour (St Helens), Danny McGuire (Leeds Rhinos), James Graham (St Helens), Jamie Langley (Bradford Bulls), Rob Burrow (Leeds Rhinos), Paul Wellens (St Helens), Ade Gardner (St Helens), Martin Gleeson (Warrington Wolves), Keith Senior (Leeds Rhinos), Gareth Raynor (Hull FC), Leon Pryce (St Helens), Sean Long (St Helens), Stuart Fielden (Bradford Bulls), Keiron Cunningham (St Helens), Adrian Morley (Sydney Roosters), Paul Sculthorpe (St Helens, captain), Gareth Ellis (Leeds Rhinos).