Rugby League: Officials battle on for Kiwi skipper

SYDNEY - The New Zealand Rugby League will not let the Nathan Cayless affair rest, with angry chairman Selwyn Pearson set to appeal against an Australian decision not to let the Kiwis skipper play next month's transtasman test.

Pearson was livid when he learned via the media that Cayless would not be able to complete a three-game suspension by being named in New Zealand selection and Maori sides to play Tonga before the October 12 test in Wellington.

National Rugby League judiciary chairman Judge Greg Woods was prepared to accept Cayless could have played the first game but not the Maori match because it was just a day before the test.

Pearson said the appeal to the International Federation of Rugby League would argue that Woods' reasoning was flawed.

He will cite an example from two years ago when Brisbane players backed up from a test in Wellington to play in the NRL the next day across the Tasman.

"I find it insulting that the NRL can say it's all right for Australians to play two days in a row but not New Zealanders. I didn't realise they were a superior race."

Pearson said there were several instances when the Australians produced decisions to suit themselves. Broncos skipper Gorden Tallis was once allowed to count a State of Origin match as two matches towards a suspension before a Kiwis test.

Pearson said he would appeal this week to the federation chairman, Colin Love, who is also chairman of the Australian Rugby League.

He was confident he had a strong case.

- NZPA