Tuiali'i prefers to stay

By WYNNE GRAY



All Black Mose Tuiali'i has decided to take his NPC chances in the congested scramble for Auckland loose forward places rather than take up an offer as a loan player for Northland.

Tuiali'i told coach Pat Lam of his decision yesterday and revealed he wanted to play Waikato in Hamilton on Saturday. Hooker Keven Mealamu is also keen to play but, at best, will be on the bench because his wife is expecting the couple's second child.

Tuiali'i, Mealamu and lock Ali Williams are the only All Blacks available this weekend, with the other seven in the Auckland squad resting a range of injuries or giving themselves some more downtime.

"I had a meeting with Mose and gave him the choice of being here with Auckland and the competition with the other loosies or going to Northland on loan," Lam said.

"His reply was that he would stay and give it a go with us and he will be involved with us this weekend."

Lam said that although some would think it logical that Tuiali'i would go into the boot of the Auckland scrum, he had to weigh up a number of factors before naming his side tomorrow.

Waikato will again rest their All Blacks with the greatest concern remaining about lock Keith Robinson.

He missed the entire Tri-Nations series after damaging his back and remains an uncertain participant in the NPC.

"He could play for us at some stage but it is still a question mark and probably will be for the rest of his career," coach John Mitchell said.

Meanwhile, Lam said wing Doug Howlett appeared to be suffering the most physical damage after the Tri-Nations series, closely followed by Sam Tuitupou and Joe Rokocoko.

* Dynamic Bay of Plenty flanker Nili Latu faces a disciplinary hearing tomorrow for a tackle on Waikato captain Steven Bates in Sunday's Ranfurly Shield game.

Latu, one of the Steamers' stars in the 26-20 win, bowled Bates in the seventh minute leaving the No 8 stunned on the ground and in need of brief attention.

Latu will appear on a dangerous tackle charge, putting him in doubt for Bay of Plenty's match against Taranaki in New Plymouth on Saturday.

* Former All Blacks and Canterbury lock Brad Thorn will return to rugby league and the Brisbane Broncos next season.

Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen said yesterday that Thorn had signed a three-year contract.

Thorn is a ready-made replacement for Brisbane skipper Gorden Tallis, who is expected to retire at the end of the NRL season.

Thorn said the decision to leave New Zealand was one of the hardest he had made.

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