Retiring not on Wiki?s mind

He may be temporarily domiciled in one of Australia's most popular "rest homes" but the Kiwis elder statesman Ruben Wiki has no plans to follow fellow National Rugby League veterans into international retirement.
The 33-year-old former Aucklander will join Stephen Kearney on 44 test appearances when he leads the Kiwis on to Suncorp Stadium for Friday's Anzac clash with Australia in Brisbane.
Wiki concedes it will feel "weird" that long-time sparring partner Shane webcke will not be bearing down from the Kangaroos' trenches, the giant Queenslander having given away representative football after Australia's triumphant Tri-Nations campaign last November.
St George Illawarra utility Shaun Timmins also scuppered his international career after the tour and second rower Ben Kennedy has indicated his first "home" test will also be his last.
Wiki, however, is happy to battle on and overhaul former Kiwis captain and coach Gary Freeman's world record of 46 caps.
"I'm loving it. As long as they keep picking me I'll put my hand up," the centre-turned prop enthused after a strenuous training session on the Gold Coast yesterday, before adding with a smile: "I don't how I got there with all those suspensions."
Wiki can for once afford to jest about the National Rugby League (NRL) judiciary ? he missed the corresponding clash last year after being found guilty of a high tackle.
Although he stayed with the team in Newcastle his experience was sorely missed as the Kangaroos overcame a sluggish start to pull away 37-10 victors.
Wiki very nearly missed Friday's joust as well ? his latest month-long suspension for a high shot on Brisbane lock David Stagg in round two expiring in the nick of time.
Although Wiki has not played since late March he is confident of producing a characteristic lead from the front performance for the rank outsiders.
"I've done all the training, now it's about building up the match fitness," said Wiki, who, with the remainder of the squad will have a run against a local club side behind closed doors later today.
Wiki's propping adversary ? club captain Steve Price ? was also in no doubt the musclebound front rower would meet the challenge.
"He can't wait to get out on to the field. He's been keeping very fit and it's (suspension) probably worked out good in a way because any little niggling injuries he had, he'll be over them now."
Wiki also had kind words for his new mate, describing Price as the form prop of the competition.
"He's doing a great job for the Warriors, he leads by example," Wiki said, before adding ominously: "When I see him around the field I'll give him a 'cuddle'."
Naturally the friendship is now on hold as the Kiwis seek their first win on Australian soil since Melbourne in 1991 ? three years before Wiki earned his first cap.
Australia have not lost at Suncorp ? the old Lang Park ? since the Kiwis triumphed 13-6 in 1987 and Wiki is acutely aware New Zealand's victories have been few and far between.
"We always go in as underdogs," he admitted before revealing a ray of hope.
"If we control the ball, do something with it, get back- to-back sets of six and put the pressure on them for 80 minutes ....
"We'll soldier on and come Friday be ready for war."
The Kangaroos shifted their base to Brisbane yesterday with New Zealand to follow suit today ? NZPA