Rugby League: Lockyer hobbles off to put 'Count' Minichiello in the frame

By PETER JESSUP in Sydney

The Kiwi camp will be quietly pleased with the withdrawal of fullback Darren Lockyer from the Kangaroo team.

He will miss four to six weeks of football after an MRI scan confirmed he had torn ligaments in his left ankle, an injury that has troubled him for weeks.

Sydney Roosters centre Shannon Hegarty will now make his test debut on the wing, with Anthony "The Count" Minichiello moving from wing to fullback for the match in Sydney tomorrow night.

The Kiwis see Minichiello as a target to be pressed by Stacey Jones' kicking.

Minichiello has played 91 NRL games, three in State of Origin this year, and is making his international debut.

Lockyer has 191 NRL games behind him, 16 for Queensland in Origin, two in the Super League tri-series in 1997, and 20 tests, since making his debut in 1998.

He is regarded as the best-timed fullback in the game, a great broken-play runner with a fine ability to follow the break.

Minichiello is lighter and faster. Despite his speed, the Kiwis are likely to drop bombs and press ground kicks on him.

A part-time male model - like fellow Roosters and Kangaroos Luke Ricketson and Craig Wing - Minichiello gets his nickname from his likeness to caricatures of Dracula.

Replacement Joe Galuvao had his first runs with the Kiwis yesterday afternoon at the Randwick Army Barracks and last night in an opposed session at Aussie Stadium.

Coach Daniel Anderson said he expected nerves to kick in for Galuvao, who appeared less comfortable in the playing lineup than the squad..

"It's a good time for him to make his debut, with the experience he has around him," Anderson said.

He would not say when the Penrith second-rower would come into the game.

"Jerry Seuseu is the only one that I can tell you will come on early."

Galuvao could cover in the backs if injury forced that, Anderson said. "He's definitely quick enough. He's on his toes, he's got very good movement."

Anderson was confident there would be no further changes between now and Friday night, because all 17 players were fit.