Rugby League: Idol's record for Kearney

SYDNEY - Kiwis veteran Stephen Kearney will set a new appearance record for a New Zealander in the National Rugby League when he leads the Melbourne Storm against Penrith tonight.

The second-rower, capped 43 times for the Kiwis, will eclipse an 18-year-old record held by former Cronulla and Eastern Suburbs stalwart Dane Sorenson, who played 227 matches - 216 for the Sharks.

"Growing up as a young fella Dane was a hero and idol of mine so it's a huge honour," Kearney said.

"It's something you don't really set out to achieve when you start playing, but I'm quite humbled to have reached this milestone - it's a nice record to have."

The 31-year-old former New Zealand Warrior made his first-grade debut for Western Suburbs in 1992.

- NZPA