League: Aussie test needed to boost finances

Steve Matai. Photo / Mark Mitchell

New Zealand Rugby League chief executive Jim Doyle is defending the decision to play an extra test against Australia ahead of the Four Nations, despite the risk of player fatigue after the NRL season.

The Kiwis meet the Kangaroos this Sunday in Newcastle. Seventeen of the 23-man squad played finals football and eight were involved in last week's NRL grand final to complete the 30-week season. The players head to Britain knowing they will play at least three more tests (four if they make the Four Nations final), starting with the match against Australia at Warrington on October 28.

Doyle says another test is a vital component of the NZRL's budgeted revenue so they can re-invest at lower levels of the game.

"A key aspect is how can we expect to keep investing in grassroots rugby league. We need the income to invest in matches like the recent under-18 transtasman contest so we're creating pathways for players to rise to the top.

"We want the Kiwis-Kangaroos matches to be on a home-and-away basis every year regardless of which hemisphere the Four Nations is in. Tests have a higher profile [and a better viewing time slot] when they're played down under. The gate receipts are higher and it is a better opportunity to showcase the game for sponsors. If we don't play two [stand alone] tests a year, it would be harder to keep them on board."

Doyle says they have discussed the concept at length with the players who understand their reasoning: "They want it carried on. They are also keen to play Australia as much as possible because that is the benchmark. In the Kiwis squad of 23, some might be tired. That is where the onus goes on the support staff. Our doctor and physio need to work carefully with those at players' respective clubs, like the situation with Steve Matai at the moment [after his head knock in the grand final]." Matai, Manu Vatuvei and Shaun Johnson have all been ruled out for medical reasons, replaced by Warriors Krisnan Inu and Elijah Taylor plus North Queensland winger Kalifa Faifai Loa.

Vatuvei has battled with knee and wrist problems throughout the season but still managed to score 12 tries in 19 matches, the fifth-straight year he has been the Warriors' top try scorer. Kiwi team doctor Simon Mayhew said Vatuvei needed end-of-season treatment which might include surgery. Nine other players were not considered due to injury: Josh Hoffman (Broncos), Matt Duffie (Storm), Bronson Harrison (Raiders), Greg Eastwood (Bulldogs), Lance Hohaia, Sam Rapira (Warriors), Sam Perrett, Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Frank-Paul Nuuausala (Roosters).

Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney, who is well-placed to look at both sides of the debate as Parramatta boss, has backed Doyle: "It's important to have these guys back up, even if it's just two weeks after they last played. For some [the seven that missed the NRL finals series] it's a lot longer, like over a month.

"Using GPS units, we monitor the loads at training for guys like Simon Mannering and Ben Matulino [both played every game of the NRL season]. We track how far they're running and monitor their recovery to see whether they need a break. We're mindful of workloads. We need to be sure the Kiwis jumper is represented in the best way possible."

The Australian team is: Team: Billy Slater, Akuila Uate, Willie Tonga, Chris Lawrence, Darius Boyd, Darren Lockyer (capt), Johnathan Thurston, Paul Gallen, Cameron Smith, Matt Scott, Luke Lewis, Sam Thaiday, Anthony Watmough. Int: Cooper Cronk, Keith Galloway, David Shillington, Tony Williams.

Despite the decision to play the Kiwis-Kangaroos test, the unavailability of 29 frontline contenders forced the NZRL to cancel the first scheduled test against the Cook Islands.

NZRL football manager Tony Kemp, former Kiwis captain Ruben Wiki and current team members Sam McKendry, Issac Luke, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Fuifui Moimoi went on a promotional visit to the islands instead.

KIWIS ITINERARY

* Kiwis vs Australia, Newcastle, October 16 (Bill Kelly Trophy)

* Kiwis vs Australia, Warrington, October 28 (Four Nations)

* Kiwis vs Wales, London, November 5 (Four Nations)

* Kiwis vs England, Hull, November 12 (Four Nations)

* Kiwis vs possible final, Leeds, November 19 (Four Nations)