Rugby League: Injuries wreak havoc on test side

There are a lot of ifs and buts as the Kiwi selectors prepare to name their team to play the Kangaroos, writes PETER JESSUP.

A string of injuries has complicated picking a potential Kiwi test team for next month's test against Australia.

The biggest problem lies in the outside backs and it will take until Monday, when the team is announced, for the guessing to end.

Of most concern is the double hamstring strain suffered by World Cup captain Richie Barnett. He will start at fullback if fit.

The 30-year-old was in flying form a month ago and so were his London Broncos.

He pulled his left hamstring and, as he was preparing to return last weekend, pulled the right one.

Barnett will undergo a fitness assessment and speak to the Kiwi medical team before a decision is made.

Canberra wing Lesley Vainikolo is out because of a torn pectoral muscle.

And yesterday, the Warriors ruled Francis Meli out of the game against Parramatta next weekend, which would leave him without a match for a month if he is ready for the test. North Queensland wing Brian Jellick is also out with a leg injury.

There is also concern over likely five-eighth Henry Paul, who left the field against Wakefield last weekend after scoring a try and eight goals in Bradford's 62-10 win.

Leeds centre Tonie Carroll has also had injury breaks in recent weeks after good form.

All this drama means two things: Carroll will earn a reprieve in midfield because Nigel Vagana, in sparkling form for the Bulldogs, will have to play wing, and Warrior Henry Fa'afili's continued good form will see him drafted into the side.

The logical replacement for Barnett is Parramatta utility David Vaeliki.

Willie Talau is a certainty for the second centre spot.

If the Kiwis are to test Australia they need big impact from both Paul brothers. Henry has to be five-eighth to offer the variation and to make the breaks the Kiwis have missed in recent encounters.

Brother Robbie may be a good bet at hooker, his attack-oriented game putting him ahead of Richard Swain's defence-dominated play. The Kiwis will have to do more than just plug the holes if they are to outscore the Kangaroos.

Nathan Cayless is a good bet to retain the captaincy, whether Barnett plays or not.

The 23-year-old is uncompromising, respected by his team, and an all-round pro. He is a rock to build on.

Craig Smith should take the other starting prop's jersey. He was the form prop of the NRL until the judiciary slam-dunked him.

Jerry SeuSeu and Quentin Pongia can toss a coin for the bench spot. Both are consistent performers, they are tough and have the mongrel needed to intimidate.

The outstanding form of Steve Kearney and Ruben Wiki make them certainties for the second-row.

Henry Perenara will one day be the Kiwi lock, but maybe not this time. Matt Rua's experience will give him the edge. Logan Swann gave himself no chance with a three-week suspension.

Ali Lauiti'iti and Warrior-turned-Eel David Solomona offer explosive impact off the bench.

The Australians are similarly bothered and are likely to risk a couple of their prospects in the State of Origin.

The Kangaroo selectors have their usual problem - who to play out of position and who to leave out.

Will Andrew Johns go straight into the test after two months off after knee surgery? Will Brett Kimmorley be halfback, despite being dropped from an Origin? Will Trent Barrett be fit? If so, will he play five-eighth and Brad Fittler go to lock?

The latter position is one of the dilemmas for the Kangaroos and Warrior Kevin Campion has an outside chance of a start if he can get to his best against New South Wales tomorrow.

Others under a cloud are the Storm's Scott Hill, who has been out for two months with a knee injury, the Roosters' Luke Ricketson with an arm problem and Raider Jason Crocker.

Who will be rake? NSW have preferred Bronco Luke Priddis to Panther Craig Gower. Johns is also in the equation.

Will the selectors spit the dummy and dump Wendell Sailor for switching to rugby? Lote Tuquiri would be a perfect replacement.

Adam MacDougall will be on one wing, given his escape from the judiciary that cried foul over Smith for knee-raising.

In the midfield, the Kangaroos are missing Dragon Shaun Timmins because of a knee problem, and Shark Russell Richardson has been dropped to the reserves. Ryan Girdler is a certainty, Matt Gidley is a likely starter.

They have props to burn - Shane Webcke will start, but pick the partner and benchman from Jason Stevens, Michael Vella, Robbie Kearns, Rodney Howe and Mark O'Meley.

Joining Rooster Bryan Fletcher in the second-row should be Nathan Hindmarsh, despite a late return from a shoulder problem.

Eagle Adam Muir is also a good prospect.

The Kiwi selectors - coach Gary Freeman, assistant coach Gerard Stokes and former Kiwi Jarrod McCracken - announce their side on Monday night after having the benefit of a day to peruse the third State of Origin match.

The outcome may look like this:

Kiwis: Richie Barnett (London Broncos)/ David Vaeliki (Eels), Henry Fa'afili (Warriors), Tonie Carroll (Leeds), Willie Talau (Bulldogs), Nigel Vagana (Bulldogs), Henry Paul (Bradford), Stacey Jones (Warriors), Nathan Cayless (Eels, capt), Richard Swain (Storm), Craig Smith (Dragons), Ruben Wiki (Raiders), Steve Kearney (Storm), Matt Rua (Storm). Interchange: Robbie Paul (Bradford), Quentin Pongia (Roosters), Ali Lauiti'iti (Warriors), David Vaeliki/Clinton Toopi (Warriors).

Kangaroos: Darren Lockyer (Broncos), Wendell Sailor (Broncos), Ryan Girdler (Panthers), Paul Bowman (Cowboys), Adam MacDougall (Knights), Brad Fittler (Roosters, capt), Brett Kimmorley (Eagles), Shane Webcke (Broncos), Craig Gower (Panthers), Mark O'Meley (Eagles), Bryan Fletcher (Roosters), Nathan Hindmarsh (Eels), Kevin Campion (Warriors). Interchange: Trent Barrett (Dragons), Michael Vella (Eels), Adam Muir (Eagles), Matt Gidley (Knights).