Rugby League: Endacott rings changes

Kiwi rugby league coach Frank Endacott has rested second-rower Matthew Rua, prop Craig Smith and five-eighths Robbie Paul for tomorrow night's test against Tonga at Carlaw Park.

All are carrying minor injuries but are expected to be fully fit and available for the tri-series test against Great Britain on October 29. Endacott has also made several positional changes which will allow him different combinations to ponder for the Lions test.

Glenora's Brian Jellick, who played for the North Queensland Cowboys this year, will make his test debut on the wing in place of Nigel Vagana.

Lesley Vainikolo retains his place on the other wing but will need to play better than he did in the test against Australia last Friday night, when he made three crucial errors.

Parramatta's David Kidwell will start in the centres with Ruben Wiki, while Henry Paul gets a run in his favoured five-eighths position.

Although he started the test against Australia at hooker and switched to fullback while Richie Barnett was off the field, Henry Paul has played the bulk of his football this season at five-eighths for Bradford.

Melbourne's Richard Swain makes his first run-on start at hooker, while Warriors veteran Terry Hermansson gets his chance to bid for a British test place at prop.

Kiwis: Richard Barnett (captain), Brian Jellick, David Kidwell, Ruben Wiki, Lesley Vainikolo, Henry Paul, Stacey Jones, Logan Swann, Stephen Kearney, Tony Puletua, Terry Hermansson, Richard Swain, Joe Vagana. Interchange: Nigel Vagana, Jason Lowrie, Nathan Cayless, Willie Talau.

* Meanwhile, the Great Britain team to play Australia tomorrow night in Brisbane was named yesterday.

Great Britain team: Kris Radlinski, Jason Robinson, Gary Connolly, Keith Senior, Anthony Sullivan, Iestyn Harris, Ryan Sheridan, Andy Farrell (capt), Denis Betts, Adrian Morley, Barrie McDermott, James Lowes, Dale Laughton.

Reserves: Sean Long, Paul Anderson, Paul Sculthorpe, Andy Haigh. - NZPA