League: Webb’s exit hurts Kiwis

Fullback Brent Webb has been withdrawn from the Anzac test against Australia next week, further depleting an already injury-hit New Zealand side.

Webb, who has a back problem, was named in the 22-man preliminary Kiwis squad on Tuesday, even though coach Daniel Anderson accepted he would be a doubtful starter.

Webb's coach at the Warriors, Tony Kemp, yesterday said the player would be out of action for at least the next two weekends.

"He's just not right and he's been advised by the medical staff to take things easy," Kemp said. "He runs the risk of having surgery, and if that's the case, we'll lose him for the year."

His fitness would be reassessed before the NRL match against Penrith on May 1.

Webb broke down in his comeback for the Warriors against Wests Tigers last weekend, after having missed the previous two NRL rounds.

The problem is described as a small disc injury with some nerve irritation.

The Kiwis' 17 for the test in Brisbane on April 22 will be named on Sunday night.

Webb was the only specialist fullback in the preliminary squad, and Warriors utility Jerome Ropati looks likely to get the No 1 jersey in his absence.

The Kiwis selectors are already missing three injured frontline forwards - the Bulldog Sonny Bill Williams and Penrith second-rowers Tony Puletua and Joe Galuvao.

Queensland-born Webb, 24, made his debut for the Kiwis last year, playing all four tests of the Tri-Nations campaign.

His unavailability means the Warriors now have seven players in contention for Kiwis jerseys, while club skipper Steve Price is in the 23-man preliminary Australian side.

Kemp said that to have such a large representation from one club was a "pretty impressive stat".

"I take my hat off to the boys," he said. "I think they've been pretty consistent."

However, Kemp felt for winger Francis Meli, who has 14 caps but has been overlooked this time.

"It's a disappointment for him, but today he trained like a true professional.

"He hasn't let it affect him at all and he still has the tour to play for at the end of the year."

The Tri-Nations will be held again in October and November, with the Kiwis travelling to England for the second half of the tournament.

- NZPA