Rugby League: Levity lifts the test load

There's been plenty of levity at Kiwi training, the banter a shining indicator of the spirit in the side, but the best line of the week came from coach Frank Endacott when offered advice by a fan.

The Kiwis had invited the public to watch their sessions at Ericsson and among the spectators was a tactician who made a point of accosting Endacott and giving him an earful about which lines the team should run on various parts of the field.

As he went through his convoluted routine Endacott stopped him and said: "Hang on mate, I'll just grab a pen."

Then he told the bloke he didn't really have time to talk while the team waited and pointed him in the direction of manager Gary Cooksley.

Straight into his routine again, the man was taken aback when Cooksley asked if he didn't think it was just a wee bit insulting telling the national coach how to do his job. "I just wanted to share some ideas," he replied.

Cooksley wished him well with his coaching career and suggested that, should he make it to Kiwi coach, he'd probably understand.

Second prize went to the Mad Butcher who confronted a spectator wearing a Brisbane Broncos jersey, said he had a cheek turning up in Aussie gear and told him to buy a Kiwi jersey.

"Can't afford it," the guy said. "I'll lend ya the money, ya can't go around dressed like that," Peter Leitch replied.