Rugby League: Improvement needed but Kiwis are still confident

LONDON - Kiwis skipper Stacey Jones believes his side are on track to win their test series against Great Britain, although significant improvements still have to be made before the November 9 opener in Blackburn.

He was comfortable with how the tour was progressing, although British media have questioned the scratchy nature of the Kiwis' play in games against Hull and St Helens.

"I think there's a lot of improvement necessary coming into the test series," Jones admitted yesterday.

"After St Helens, Great Britain will be rubbing their hands together, but we don't want to be winning games by too much and getting over-confident."

"I don't think we want to throw out much at the English side too early, so we're slowly going away and building combinations."

Coach Gary Freeman will name his side to play England A at Griffin Park tomorrow after today's training session.

Mindful of giving his back three of fullback David Vaealiki and wings Francis Meli and Henry Fa'afili a rest before the tests, Freeman is likely to reshuffle his backline.

Freeman, who also said he was happy with the way the tour has progressed, said he had confidence in the players' decision-making.

They kept the licence to play their open attacking style, although it was not always suited by the wet grounds encountered so far.

The team avoided the brunt of killer gales that lashed England, Scotland and Wales at the weekend, although the forecast suggests more soft underfoot conditions at Griffin Park, home of the London Broncos.

Meanwhile, debate over Sean Long's omission from the Great Britain test squad continued yesterday, with the St Helens halfback and coach David Waite at loggerheads.

Great Britain team doctor Chris Brooks ruled out Long for the series after assessing the extent of his cracked jaw, although it is possible he may be recalled if the home side struggle in the first test.

An angry Long declared he was fit to play, despite being urged to rest, saying he had turned out in the Super League grand final against Bradford on October 19 without any problems.

"David said he considered it was a risk, but he might consider bringing me into the squad later if I get the all clear, but I can't see the point," Long said.

"It's all right if you're a winger, you can slip in easily, but if you're a playmaker in the middle of the park you have to know all the moves because you're the one calling the shots. If you don't know them it makes you look like an idiot."

He said it was hard to be left in limbo.

"If I don't get a call up my season is over, and I could miss out on a holiday while waiting for a call that never comes."

Ironically, a Kiwi played a pivotal role in the Long drama because it was Wigan prop Craig Smith who clipped the Saints star during their Super League semifinal three weeks ago.

Smith was also on track for the series, but pulled out to have ankle surgery.

- NZPA