League: Backs headache for Kiwis coach

Sam Perrett (pictured) is in a battle with Jason Nightingale for a Kiwis wing berth. Photo / Getty Images

Two selection conundrums face Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney heading into NRL grand final week.

The first is right wing and the second is who partners Benji Marshall in the halves - with the Four Nations squad set to be named the day after the final.

With Manu Vatuvei looking certain to play on the left wing, it appears to be a choice between the Dragons' Jason Nightingale and the Roosters' Sam Perrett as to who fills the No2 jersey.

Both have had excellent seasons, playing all but one game for their respective clubs - the only variation being that Nightingale played two matches at fullback to Perrett's one. They both played in May's Anzac test with Vatuvei unavailable.

Nightingale appears to be more robust. He has made 18 line breaks to Perrett's 11 and produced 23 offloads to Perrett's nine. Nightingale has also made more tackles, 211-176.

In contrast Perrett might be more elusive. He makes 133 metres a game to Nightingale's 101 and has made double the tackle breaks with 138 to his rival's 69. Nightingale leads the try count 12-9.

Perrett's case is helped by the fact he has played in combination at Sydney with Shaun Kenny-Dowall. He appears a Kiwis certainty in the centres, with an edge over incumbent Junior Sau at this stage.

Kearney was impressed with Kenny-Dowall's hands, especially in Perrett's second try to help beat the Titans on Friday night. Newcastle's Sau may still get a reprieve, with Steve Matai ruled out with his recent seven-game ban for a reckless high tackle.

Kearney welcomes the competitive situation: "I see them both as right wingers [with Vatuvei on the left]. It'll be a case of monitoring them to see who best fits. We are in a fortunate position to have such quality out wide. Sam has pace but Jason is an outstanding player. I enjoyed an article in the Sydney papers last week saying how you hear little about him in a St George side which focuses on Mark Gasnier, Brett Morris and Darius Boyd. Yet every time I talk to Wayne Bennett about him, he sings his praises."

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary says Perrett probably has a slight edge: "Sam and Shaun make a good combo but Jason's form makes it an acceptable problem to have. I'd probably pick Sam at this stage because of his sheer pace. He has an incredible ability to start a set of tackles strongly and his finishes are first class, like in his two tries on Friday night."

A more crucial problem lies in the halves with promising halfback Kieran Foran unavailable due to shoulder surgery. Withstanding further injury, Marshall will captain the side from five-eighth with St George's Nathan Fien and Wigan's Thomas Leuluai contenders to wear the No7.

"It is one area we have less depth," Kearney says. "Nathan has been doing a wonderful job since his [round 22] return from injury and Thomas is in the British finals. I've been in contact with his coach [and former Melbourne Storm assistant] Michael Maguire. He says Thomas is going well. We'll see how he pulls up once he's back."

"Nathan has been there and done that," Cleary says of the former Warrior. "He'd be a reliable man to bring back. I haven't seen a lot of Thomas this year but they could both do the job with Benji, who is having arguably his best year in the NRL."

Kearney is also anticipating the return of Roosters forwards Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Frank-Paul Nuuausala.

"Jared walked up the tunnel with what looked like a shoulder injury last night - hopefully he's okay. Certainly he plays his league on the edge of the law but he does a good job and he's a great bloke to have around camp.

"Frank-Paul has been super-impressive. Eighty per cent of the time he is a stand-out player, setting a consistently high standard."

Nuuausala was signed to the Warriors at age 14 then left the club at 18 in late 2005 after Cleary was appointed coach. Back then Cleary said he did not have the work ethic needed for first grade rugby league.

"He was a talented kid but, when I was involved with him at the Warriors, he could barely run around the ground. You'd be lucky to get him to train two times a week.

"The Roosters' perseverence has paid off."

"Then you've got Jared, who is good for the game and for his team.

"He's the sort of upbeat guy you'd love to have in your squad."