League: Concern at Warriors test claims

The New Zealand Rugby League yesterday sought assurance from the Warriors that the club is behind its international campaign.

There was concern at the claims made by departing test centre Vinnie Anderson that touring with the Kiwis contributed to his being cut.

NZRL chairman Selwyn Pearson spoke to Warriors chief executive Mick Watson.

"We've enjoyed a good relationship with the club," he said. "I wanted to make sure nothing's changed. Mick said he had supported the Kiwis jersey and still does."
But Pearson's next comment suggested some tension.

"The Anzac test is on April 22. The Warriors have a bye that weekend, and we're sure going to find out, aren't we?"

NZRL manager Peter Cordtz said the club and national organisation were inextricably intertwined and any suggestion that players were being encouraged not to make themselves available for the Kiwis would "have major implications for us. If our relationship with the Warriors was compromised in any way we'd have serious concerns".

The NZRL still owns 10 per cent of the club (and has board representation through deputy chairman Selwyn Bennett) but Cullen Sports' 75 per cent gives it all the power.

The Warriors yesterday maintained their silence on Anderson's departure, though privately there was some desire to respond to rumours, including one that suggested player contracts included clauses that insisted they place the club first, above representative honours. There was a belief that had arisen from a club player's manual which stated they must "put the club first" - but that was about behaviour in public.

NRL regulations require all 15 clubs to make players available for State of Origin and international teams as selected, subject to injury. On that issue, spokesman Richard Becht said: "We would not and do not stand in the way of any of our players playing for the Kiwis."

Anderson's manager, Jim Banaghan, denied the player went on the Kiwis' Tri-Nations tour despite being warned to rest the ortho-pelvic condition he has had for two years

But it does appear the club looked on that, as well as the continuing effect of the injury. Anderson also had an option to stay at the Warriors in 2006 but had indicated he would not be taking it up.

The Australians showed their usual indifference towards the NZRL yesterday by putting tickets for the Anzac game at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on sale before the year's test programme was finalised. Later in the day they sent the NZRL notification they would reverse venues for the October Tri-Nations games - the dates had been October 15 in New Zealand then October 22 in Australia, but then the Australian Rugby League learned of a clash with cricket coverage on Channel Nine.

The test dates, financial wrap-up of the 2004 tournament and the budget for 2005 will be settled at a meeting of the Tri-Nations partners following the Rugby League International Federation meeting, which is scheduled for mid-March.

The NZRL will be pushing for independent assessment of player fitness before the series in order to avoid the clashes it had with clubs over availability of players including Tony Puletua, Joe Galuvao and Lesley Vainikolo.

* Former Wests Tigers and Manly player Terry Hill will attempt to make his return to the game at age 33, two years after he retired. He will play for Manly against the Tigers in a trial this weekend. Hill does not have a contract with the club.

Tri-Nations Series

* October 15: Australia v NZ in Australia
* October 22: NZ v Australia in NZ
* October 29: NZ v Great Britain in England
* November 5: GB v Australia in England
* November 12: GB v NZ in England
* November 19: GB v Australia in England
* November 26: Grand final