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The New Zealand Rugby League today welcomed the backing of the game's world body over the availability of British-based players Brent Webb and Thomas Leuluai for test duty.
Leeds fullback Webb and Wigan halfback Leuluai have both been named in a 19-man New Zealand squad for the centenary test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket ground next Friday night.
Under Rugby League International Federation rules, players have to be released five days before a test match.
However, both Leeds and Wigan have been reluctant to comply because the test is in the same weekend as the fifth round of the Challenge Cup and the clubs appealed to the RLIF seeking dispensation.
NZRL chariman Ray Haffenden said the international body's executive today determined that Webb and Leuluai should be released to join up with the Kiwis.
"We're grateful for the support from the RLIF, the Australian Rugby League and the [England] Rugby Football League in this matter," he said.
"Our selectors wanted Brent and Thomas in the team and we tried to do everything the right way to ensure their involvement."
While the ruling was important for the Kiwis and the centenary test, it was more significant for international rugby league in the widest sense, Haffenden said.
"We are determined to do all we can to protect the game at the highest level."
Webb, with 16 caps, and Leuluai, with 11, are among the most experienced players in the Kiwi squad.
The English Super League is staging its "Millennium Magic" promotion in Cardiff this weekend, with three games scheduled at the Millennium Stadium each day.
Webb is due to line up for Leeds against Bradford on Sunday morning (NZ time) before flying to Sydney.
Leuluai is scheduled to turn out for Wigan against St Helens the following day.
- NZPA
