Rugby League: Kiwis battle boredom as novelty of touring fades

LEEDS - Boredom not Britain could end up being the Kiwis' greatest adversary on their seven-week Northern Hemisphere tour.

Management are trying to conjure up counter-measures to the twin threats of lethargy and inactivity.

The Kiwis followed the example of last year's Kangaroos by basing themselves in soccer-mad Leeds for the bulk of their tour of Great Britain, heading to nearby northern England match venues on the day of each game.

But after almost a fortnight in Leeds, spokesman John Hutchinson admitted plans were being put in place to keep the players' minds active and prevent the novelty of touring from wearing off.

"They're pretty relaxed by nature, but we want them to enjoy the experience so we have to start thinking about things to do.

"If they get bored it might show up in their play and we obviously don't want that. We don't want them getting stir crazy locked up in the hotel," Hutchinson said.

The team are domiciled in a plush £130 ($420) a night central city hotel and spend the bulk of their downtime either on the premises or playing pool at a nearby snooker hall.

An internet cafe also caters to a steady stream of players keeping in touch with their families at home.

The team has split into four groups rostered to organise restaurant visits and entertainment. A pool tournament was held yesterday and some players were heading to Manchester and York today.

Second rower Ali Lauiti'iti said the tour had not been a chore and he was enjoying his third visit to the UK.

"It's good to see the other side of the world. There are always challenges and hard times, it's all part of growing the faith," he said.

"The guys are real good, we're bonding pretty fast. It's hard being away from family but they're a good bunch of boys."

Meanwhile, Wigan's Sean O'Loughlin will captain England A against the Kiwis.

Brother-in-law of Great Britain test captain Andy Farrell, lock/five-eighth O'Loughlin will also lead the A team on a three-match tour of Fiji and Tonga after the Kiwis match at Griffin Park.

England A will play matches against Fiji and Fijian Presidents XIII and Tonga on their short trip to the Southern Hemisphere.

England A: Martin Aspinwall (Wigan), Mike Bennett (St Helens), Ricky Bibey (Wigan), Rob Burrow (Leeds), Mark Calderwood (Leeds), Paul Cooke (Hull), Matt Diskin (Leeds), Gareth Ellis (Wakefield Trinity), Ade Gardner (St Helens), Mick Higham (St Helens), Ryan Hudson (Castleford), Andy Lynch (Castleford), Danny McGuire (Leeds), Richard Moore (Bradford), Sean O'Loughlin (capt, Wigan), Waine Pryce (Castleford), John Stankevitch (St Helens), Paul Sykes (London Broncos), Danny Tickle (Wigan), Danny Ward (Leeds), Chev Walker (Leeds).

- NZPA