Rugby League: Britain set for 'a bit of biff'

LEEDS - Great Britain prop Stuart Fielden vows his pack will be no pushovers for a monster Kiwis unit when their three-test series opens at Blackburn's Ewood Park on Sunday morning (New Zealand time).

Fielden, one of five giant props named in coach David Waite's squad, said the British were ready to tackle the Kiwis head-on as they bid to expunge the memories of their 10-64 hiding by Australia in July.

"A lot of the talk is about ... the size and strength of the Kiwis but we're no midgets," Fielden said. "Some big collisions are in store and if they want to mix it we can definitely bring a bit of biff into the game.

"We've got a big, robust pack. Someone like [Bradford prop] Paul Anderson will dwarf even the Kiwis."

Fielden, 23, will be joined by Leeds enforcer Barrie McDermott, who earned his place in league folklore in his debut series after elbowing the jaw of Kangaroos prop Paul Sironen during the Kangaroos' visit in 1994.

Fielden said a supposed feud with McDermott was on ice until the end of the series so the duo can concentrate on combating the likes of Paul Rauhihi, Jerry SeuSeu, Ruben Wiki and Tony Puletua.

McDermott was sent off for punching Fielden during a Super League clash last season but the victim said there was no animosity between the pair.

The squad watched the Kiwis' 34-12 win over England A last Wednesday and Fielden said he believed the tourists had an advantage by playing four lead-up games.

Kiwis coach Gary Freeman may delay naming his lineup until shortly before kickoff to give veteran Wiki as long as possible to recover from his thumb injury.

Wiki dislocated his right thumb during the 50-22 win over Wales and needed stitches after bone poked through skin.

He took a limited part in training yesterday but was still experiencing discomfort.

Fullback David Vaealiki and prop Jason Cayless will use today's rest day to recover from the flu.

Freeman can cover for each of the trio should they not be fit. He has plenty of depth at prop with SeuSeu and Rauhihi, with back-up in David Solomona and Puletua who can also cover the second row.

Robbie Paul filled in impressively at fullback for Vaealiki against Wales after being named at centre.

- NZPA