Rugby League: Kearney homes in on test record

SYDNEY - Stephen Kearney is zeroing in on the world record for league test appearances, but he must be satisfied a niggling groin injury will survive Friday's clash with the Kangaroos before registering his 44th international cap.

The Melbourne Storm skipper has been plagued by a groin strain for two months and eventually needed a spell three weeks ago.

Kearney overtook Daryl Halligan as the New Zealander with the most NRL appearances - 232 - this month.

He needs three more tests to eclipse the mark set by former Kiwis captain and coach Gary Freeman.

Kearney, 31, has been selected for the second row, despite battling the strain, and is confident a strict medical regime will see him through.

The Kiwis squad all passed a medical at the team hotel in Bondi and had their first run under lights on Monday. Two more training sessions were held yesterday.

Kearney said he would not be taking any chances if he did not feel fit enough for the Aussie Stadium clash with the world champions.

"Probably the biggest factor in me playing will be if I feel I'm going to let the team down in any way because I'm not 100 per cent," he said.

"Test matches - particularly against Australia - are special games, but I've got to be comfortable I can get through the game."

Kearney said the body felt surprisingly fresh after the exertions of Sunday's extra-time NRL loss to Brisbane.

"The injury has pulled up pretty well after such a tough game.

"I don't know whether it's my heart telling me it's better than it has been over the past couple of weeks, or what it is."

Meanwhile, Kiwis coach Daniel Anderson has been running Penrith second-rower Joe Galuvao at training, principally as cover for Ali Lauiti'iti, who has been suspended for a game for a high shot on Cronulla forward Paul Gallen on Saturday night.

Lauiti'iti's participation was the main concern for the Kiwis management.

- NZPA