Rugby League: The proudest inheritance

By PETER JESSUP

James Leuluai is perhaps the greatest Kiwi centre ever, so when dad talks, new Kiwi Thomas listens.

As coach of the Eastern Tornadoes, where Thomas made his name, James gives plenty of readily accepted advice.

But dad has had less input as Kiwis backs adviser, in the run up to the test against Australia at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday.

"Dad has a lot of confidence in Daniel Anderson's coaching and so do I, I trust him because what he's told me so far has worked for me," Thomas said of his Warriors and Kiwis coach.

Born on June 22, 1985, Thomas is the second-youngest Kiwi behind five-eighth Dennis Williams, who made his debut against Great Britain at Salford a day after his 18th birthday. The Kiwis won 18-13, won the second test and lost the third. Williams went on to a 10-year, 31-test career.

The younger Leuluai has had 12 NRL starts, showing solid defence and some confidence on attack.

A beamingly proud James said he knew his son could do more on attack.

James played 29 tests and 24 other games for New Zealand between 1979 and 1986 and three Challenge Cup finals for Hull. So far his only big-game tip to Thomas is to be confident and stay relaxed. But, "He's a pretty relaxed guy anyway".

There are no injury worries in the Kiwi camp. They were guests at a dinner last night to mark the 100th test between the two countries since the then All Golds won the first series 2-1 against Australia in 1908.

Present-day captain Ruben Wiki said they really wanted to compete this time after having the game snatched from them early at Aussie Stadium in July. He shakes his head when asked what went wrong there. "We stuck it to them early but then we made some poor decisions out wide - it was gone before we knew it."

Wiki said that wistfully as he sloshed across the stadium pitch which has been rucked up by seven NPC games and the women's World Cup tournament during a period of heavy rain in Auckland.

The Kiwis did not want the weather or the selection of a four-forward bench to take the game down to a one-out bash, Wiki said.

Wiki, 30, has one year left on his contract at Canberra and intends giving it his best shot for a premiership. His body was in good shape, he said, despite bashing it so much. He again won Canberra's player of the year award after leading them into finals. No alcohol is part of the routine and he drinks kava on the day after a game to aid recovery.

After 10 years in the NRL he still says there is room for improvement in his performance "and Mattie [coach Elliot] will get it out of me next year."

He was bitterly disappointed at the 17-16 semifinal exit at the hands of the Warriors. That and the Warriors' elimination by eventual winners Penrith was the subject of much banter in the Kiwi camp. Wiki allows himself a smile. "We gave it to them - they couldn't beat Penrith after that."

* Australian coach Chris Anderson's future at Cronulla looks increasingly shaky. The club has issued a a third breach of contract notice which, according to Sydney's Daily Telegraph, contains instructions he not speak to players or coaching staff nor use club facilities until he fronts up to a meeting with directors after the tour to New Zealand, England and France.

The board is apparently manoeuvring to get him out without meeting the agreed salary of A$400,000 ($463,000).

Anderson said yesterday that he was half-way through a rebuild of the club and would not be quitting.

The Kangaroos arrive late today.

* Ben Lythe has withdrawn from the New Zealand A tour to England because his daughter has suffered a collapsed lung. His replacement is Junior Kiwi Aoterangi Herangi, 18, from the Waikato and of the Manurewa Marlins Bartercard team.

Australian team: Darren Lockyer (captain), Anthony Minichiello, Matt Sing, Shannon Hegarty, Michael De Vere, Craig Wing, Brett Kimmorley, Shane Webcke, Danny Buderus, Robbie Kearns, Steve Simpson, Craig Fitzgibbon, Luke Ricketson.

Interchange: Willie Mason, Richard Villasanti, Phil Bailey, Craig Gower.