League: Good signs for Anzac test availability

Sonny Bill Williams is back for the Bulldogs. Picture / Nigel Marple

The New Zealand Rugby League has opened talks with Super League clubs about the availability of key players in the Kiwis for the May 5 Anzac test, with good response so far.

The halves dilemma might be solved by bringing recent Kiwis Thomas Leuluai, Robbie Paul or Motu Tony from England.

The Kiwis selectors will also be looking at the form of props Jason Cayless, Paul Rauhihi and Iafeta Paleaaesina.

In the centres, Willie Talau and Shontayne Hape have been playing well.

Lesley Vainikolo continues to score tries for Bradford. Hull captain Richard Swain may be an option at hooker, particularly if Lance Hohaia does not get any more NRL time between now and the test. Then there are ball-playing second rowers Ali Lauitiiti and David Solomona.

The NZRL is considering making a formal approach to the England Rugby Football League to ensure compliance with Rugby League International Federation rules, which require those selected for test representation to be available five days out from the game.

In the past, the English clubs have made players such as the Paul brothers, Henry and Robbie, play at the weekend prior to Friday night tests, insisting that the 30 or so hours on the plane is included in time they are available.

The start of Monday night games in Super League means Paul Rauhihi's Warrington side meets Ali Lauitiiti's Leeds on May 1, and they would clearly not be able to play the test if they played that game.

Swain and Tony would play for Hull against Wigan, who have Paleaaesina, on the Sunday. Thomas Leuluai has been in good form for Harlequins, who are set to play against Robbie Paul's Huddersfield on the Saturday.

Those who could possibly play round 12 in the Super League and fly to Australia by the Monday include Cayless and Talau from St Helens, with Saints down to play Solomona's Wakefield team on the Friday night, and Hape and Vainikolo who would turn out for the Bulls against Les Catalans.

Kiwis coach Brian "Bluey" McClennan said England-based players were most definitely in the frame for test selection. He would go with his best 17.

The selectors had to weigh up the benefits of using those from England. They were studying the two Super League games shown by Sky TV each weekend and having tapes of others sent over.

"The players we're really looking at, we have tapes sent out."

They were also taking judgment from people whose opinions they valued, St Helens and former Kiwis coach Daniel Anderson doubtless among those.

McClennan said they had "covered all bases" in checking availability of players. "So far our dealings with the clubs have been very good."

The NZRL is ready to act to enforce availability if it becomes an issue.

The Kiwis are selected on the Sunday night after round eight of the NRL on April 30, and go into camp on the Gold Coast the next day. McClennan expects some standout performances from New Zealanders in the next three rounds.

"Three weeks ago I was concerned. The players looked like they had a hangover. But they've started to pick it up. I think the Kiwi players will really kick into form in the next three rounds. The key contenders will have May 5 in the back of their minds and they'll be looking to peak for that."

Of key interest this weekend is the ability and fitness of Sonny Bill Williams, who returns to the Bulldogs against Souths on Monday after missing most of last season and the start of this with repeat knee, ankle and foot stress fracture injuries.

"I think once he gets going people will see what all the fuss was about. I wouldn't like to coach against him," said McClennan. "This is shaping as one of the best test matches ever," he said. "Having stirred the hornets' nest makes it exciting."

* Parramatta's wayward centre Jamie Lyon may be returning to the club next season, the Eels confirming interest in him as their five-eighth. Lyon left a A$250,000 contract at the Eels mid-season in 2004 at age 22, citing disinterest, then signed for St Helens. 
 

Super League schedule

* April 28
St Helens (Jason Cayless, Francis Meli, Vinnie Anderson, Willie Talau) v Wakefield (David Solomona, Monty Betham)
Bradford (Lesley Vainikolo, Shontayne Hape, Joe Vagana) v Les Catalans
(Stacey Jones injured, Alex Chan suspended).

* April 29
Harlequins (Thomas Leuluai, Karl Te Mata) v Huddersfield (Robbie Paul)

* April 30
Hull (Motu Tony, Richard Swain) v Wigan (David Vaeliki, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Jerry Seuseu)

* May 1
Warrington (Paul Rauhihi, Logan Swann, Henry Fa'afili) v Leeds (Ali Lauitiiti)

* May 5
Hull v Bradford
Leeds v Harlequins
Salford v Wakefield
Wigan v Castleford

* May 6
Huddersfield v St Helens
Les Catalans v Warrington