Rugby League: Defections give selectors test backline woes

By PETER JESSUP

Kiwi selectors Jarrod McCracken, Gerard Stokes and coach Gary Freeman were yesterday debating how to fill backline holes before the test against Australia in a fortnight.

World Cup captain and fullback Richie Barnett has ruled himself out because of hamstring injuries in both legs, centre Tonie Carroll is unavailable as he seeks re-entry to State of Origin, and wing Francis Meli is unlikely to be fit in time.

The defections could mean the selectors choose a four-forward bench, and greatly increase the chances of Eel David Vaeliki and Warrior Henry Fa'afili being selected.

Vaeliki and Fa'afili will be among those watched closely in the big game at Ericsson Stadium between Parramatta and the Warriors on Saturday night.

Another in doubt for the test team is Raider Ruben Wiki, who has neck, back and shoulder injuries, giving Warrior Logan Swann the chance of a recall.

Warriors chief executive Mick Watson said yesterday that Meli needed another week's treatment on his hamstring tear. Warriors coach Daniel Anderson would make a call on Wednesday about his chances of playing against the Eels.

Former Eels prop Mark Tookey is expected to be back in the frame for the Warriors after injuring his knee in March.

Freeman has spoken to most of his Kiwi prospects, including prop Craig Smith, who has only one game this weekend to regain match fitness after a five-week suspension.

Freeman said he would ask Leeds centre Carroll to reconsider, but he did not want anyone who was half-hearted in the team.

The selectors remained positive they had players to fill the gaps and sure the Kiwis would be competitive, Freeman said.

"There are opportunities for some of those that played against France now," he said, referring to Clinton Toopi, Monty Betham and Motu Tony.

The last two Kiwi-Kangaroo games on New Zealand soil were the two-point win in the tri-nations series at the end of 1999 and the two-point loss in the final.

The "Wiz" hopes for a bumper crowd and cold Wellington weather to bother the Aussies for the test.

He expects Kangaroo coach Chris Anderson to go outside the State of Origin squads in selecting his team overnight, giving the Kiwi selectors the advantage of knowing their opposition before finalising their 17 today.