Rugby League: NZ takes a punt on rookie ref

By PETER JESSUP

The New Zealand Rugby League has opted for an inexperienced referee in the Kiwis-Kangaroos game at Auckland next week.

Sean Hampstead, 36, the NRL's fourth-ranked referee, will be whistling his first test.

The Australian Rugby League and NZRL had agreed that an Australian would officiate because the top Super League refs are involved in finals. The ARL deferred to the Kiwis on the name.

NZ initially asked for Paul Simpkins, who, according to NRL statistics, favours a home crowd more than any other whistler.

The ARL insisted on a top-four referee. Policeman Hampstead was the second choice, in the hope that he will be intimidated by a noisy home crowd.

The squad of 21 for next Saturday's test will be tried in alternate positions at match venue North Harbour Stadium today against the New Zealand A side, who are preparing for a tour of England.

The starting 17 will be named tomorrow. Some players may be kept in camp for the experience.

The Kiwis have no established hooker, halfback, five-eighth or fullback so the Aussies, with depth to burn despite having 16 top players out through injury, look like Mission Impossible. The lack of an in-game kicker is a serious drawback.

Today's run is coach Daniel Anderson's last chance to decide whether to risk playing rookies Tevita Latu and Thomas Leuluai.

Possible Kiwi team: Clinton Toopi, Henry Fa'afili, Vinnie Anderson, Nigel Vagana, Francis Meli, Motu Tony, Thomas Leuluai, Nathan Cayless, Monty Betham, Jason Cayless, Ruben Wiki, Tony Puletua, Sione Faumuina; Jerry Seuseu, Ali Lauiti'iti, Joe Galuvao - then either Andrew Lomu, Tevita Latu or Paul Whatuira.