The New Zealand Rugby League is insisting on a neutral referee for next Friday night's Anzac test in Brisbane, stalling the announcement of who will control the match.
The Australians had intended to use one of their referees.
Another name we'll be waiting for is that of the
Aussie player to replace Andrew Johns on the end-of-year centenary tour that commemorates the first international tour to England by the All Golds in 1907.
Current test players such as Darren Lockyer have been mentioned but it appears unlikely the ARL will release anyone in the frame for the 2008 World Cup.
There are no obvious replacements for Johns, but names thrown up in league circles include Alan Langer, Mal Meninga, Shane Webcke, Steve Price and Brad Fittler.
* Warriors hooker Nathan Fien yesterday re-signed with the club through to the end of the 2009 season.
Fien, 27, has played 48 games for the club since 2005 and 138 in the NRL, third-highest after Ruben Wiki (270), Steve Price (263) and Logan Swann (150). Fien said desire to regain the Kiwis jersey he held briefly in 2006 was a motivation to stay, as was seeing the Warriors develop and push into finals football.
The Warriors now have the bulk of their key players signed through 2008 or beyond.
