Rugby League: Endacott laying pressure on test contenders

Kiwis league coach Frank Endacott has been pushing his test contenders hard in training sessions to make up for their lack of recent game time - and the sessions will step up a gear next week.

Endacott has been running the Warriors-based members of his train-on squad at Ericsson Stadium, with Gary Kemble taking the Junior Kiwis and team trainer Bob Lanigan working with the Sydney-based players.

Only the Paul brothers will come from England, Endacott said yesterday - so ruling out wing Sean Hoppe for the tri-nations series against Australia and Great Britain.

Endacott will name his team next Tuesday after the NRL grand final but already some places are clearly filled.

He yesterday described Craig Smith as "the form prop at the moment - he's been going well since he came back against the Warriors. He's one tough footballer."

Also certainties in the pack are Jarrod McCracken who will again fill in as captain for the injured Quentin Pongia, Logan Swann, and Joe Vagana. The final make-up, though, will depend on whether Swain starts at hooker or comes off the bench to relieve Henry Paul.

Paul could go to fullback if Richie Barnett comes into the centres and the decisions made would impact on other positions. "Henry keeps them guessing out of dummy-half," the coach said, indicating a forward role.

Willie Talau seems a certain starter in one centre spot, and Endacott's choices then are to elevate David Kidwell who has been in the second row lately for Parramatta, or to go back to Canberra regular Ruben Wiki, who has been in the front row and may now lack the pace needed.

Meanwhile, Cronulla fullback David Peachey has the chance to prove himself after being named yesterday in Australia's train-on squad for the tri-nations.

Peachey was one of 10 players added to the Kangaroos' squad following last weekend's NRL preliminary finals.

He joins Brisbane's Darren Lockyer as the two fullbacks in the 35-man squad, although Melbourne's Robbie Ross, who was selected ahead of his Sharks counterpart in the NSW State of Origin team this season, is also in the running for the No 1 green and gold jumper.

Eels five-eighth Jim Dymock also received a call-up as an option to cover for skipper Brad Fittler who, while he is available for the series, is battling a groin injury.

And Cronulla hooker Dean Treister, 23, has a chance to make his international debut. Australia's final squad of 20 players will be selected next Monday.

Possible New Zealand squad: Jarrod McCracken (c), Craig Smith, Jason Lowrie, Joe Vagana, Terry Hermansson, Logan Swann, Matt Rua, Nathan Cayless, Richard Swain, Ali Lauitiiti, Stacey Jones, Robbie Paul, Henry Paul, Willie Talau, Ruben Wiki, David Kidwell, Nigel Vagana, Lee Oudenryn, Lesley Vainikolo, Richie Barnett.

- Peter Jessup