Rugby League: Cup man says Kiwis spat dummy

LEEDS - Rugby league World Cup organisers yesterday accused New Zealand of spitting the dummy after not getting the referee of their choice for the final against Australia.

The Kiwis refused to turn up to a joint press conference between the two teams yesterday which tournament organisers had scheduled as a late chance to drum up ticket sales for the decider at Old Trafford.

Less than half of the 67,500 seats have been sold.

The Kiwis wanted Englishman Russell Smith, who controlled last Sunday's semifinal between Australia and Wales, to referee the final.

But Australia were strongly opposed to Smith, preferring instead Australians Tim Mander or Bill Harrigan.

In the end, the match was awarded to English referee Stuart Cummings, seen by organisers as a good neutral, compromise choice.

The joint press conference was originally scheduled for Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United.

But the Australians declined to travel to Manchester if the players were not allowed on the pitch, and the press conference was moved to Leeds, where the Kangaroos are based.

The Kiwis then pulled out, instead holding their own news conference an hour earlier at their team hotel at Brighouse, a 45-minute drive from Leeds.

Tournament marketing manager Jason Harborow said the New Zealanders had acted out of annoyance.

"We've worked very closely with New Zealand and Australia throughout the tournament and throughout the last 18 months, making sure that everything they wanted they've got - the hotels, the accommodation, the business class travel," Harborow said.

"Because of a fallout over the referee, New Zealand decided to take their ball home and have their own press conference at Brighouse.

"New Zealand wanted a particular referee, Australia wanted a particular referee, a compromise was reached, Stuart Cummings got the appointment and I don't think New Zealand were very happy.

"And once the decision went against them, they chose not to attend today's press conference."

Harborow said both teams were guilty of gamesmanship.

"Both teams are trying to pretend they hate each other," he said.

"I know better, I know that they're all good mates with each other."

New Zealand coach Frank Endacott played down the decision to hold separate press conferences, saying it was no big deal.

* Faxes to the Kiwis can be sent to the team's hotel, fax number: 0044-1484400068.


- NZPA

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