NRL: No drama just a toilet stop

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. Photo / Getty Images

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has eased the anxiety of Kiwis league coach Stephen Kearney by revealing his trip up the players' tunnel at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night was a toilet break and not injury-related.

Kearney is keeping a close eye on his contenders for next month's Four Nations tournament and was initially concerned when the Sydney Roosters enforcer left the field 54 minutes into their 32-6 defeat of the Gold Titans in Brisbane - a victory that booked a place in Sunday's grand final.

"It's all good, I needed to go to the toilet," he explained.

Suitably relieved, Waerea-Hargreaves returned to the fray as the Roosters closed within one win of trading last season's wooden spoon for the premiership trophy.

They meet title favourites St George Illawarra, who edged past the Wests Tigers 13-12 in Sydney on Saturday night. While the 21-year-old was not tempted to emulate former All Black hardman Jerry Collins, who infamously urinated on Jade Stadium before a Bledisloe Cup test in 2006, he has no problem inheriting the Roosters' enforcer's tag once worn by Willie Mason.

The interchange forward might be have been the recipient of the season's biggest hit - courtesy of the Wests Tigers Simon Dwyer in round one of the finals series - but the 108kg prop also has a fearsome reputation.

"I've got to keep away from Jared, I don't want him ripping my head off," smiled St George Illawarra utility Nathan Fien, who is also assured of Kiwis selection.

Waerea-Hargreaves had just one indiscretion against the Titans, a shameless "facial" on five-eighth Scott Prince during the second half.

"That was a little bit of ill-discipline. I ended up thinking I shouldn't have done it," said Waerea-Hargreaves, who was penalised for his handiwork.

It is precisely that abrasiveness that appeals to Kearney, who picked Waerea-Hargreaves for last year's Four Nations squad after a mere six first-grade games for Manly.

He then maintained his faith in the rookie earlier this season, picking Waerea-Hargreaves for May's Anzac test, although he had barely played for the Roosters after dislocating a shoulder in the pre-season.

"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," said Kearney, who will name his 23-man squad next Monday.

- NZPA