Rugby League: Two gaps need plugging

The big holes in the Kiwis for the test in Sydney on July 25 are at five-eighth and fullback.

There is no specialist No 1 and it looks like Stacey Jones remains the best goalkicking option.

The two Warriors No 6s are the only specialist options on the other side of the ruck from Jones. Lance Hohaia is regaining form after being demoted for two games, and Motu Tony is still short of his NRL best.

New Kiwis coach Daniel Anderson will have to play someone out of position in one or both jerseys. Tony and Parramatta centre David Vaealiki have filled in at the back for the test side in recent seasons, and Henry Fa'afili plays there at times for the Warriors.

Former captain Richie Barnett, at Hull, is not an option. At 32, he is getting past it.

Bradford's halfback/hooker, Robbie Paul, might have been a certainty on form but broke his arm in two places against St Helens last weekend.

Anderson had already determined that he would not use British-based players anyway. Their Super League clubs were not prepared to release them until after the round before the test, which meant they would have landed in Sydney three days before the game.

The Paul brothers' commitment to making that trip and their effort for their country in recent tests cannot be doubted. However, it is unfair on them - and the team cannot properly prepare for the game with key players missing.

Anderson said it was "too hard in preparation from my perspective".

"I don't even know the players. It's difficult to instruct players and for them to get into the pattern when you're shaking hands for the first time a couple of days before the game."

He and fellow selectors Tony Kemp and Brent Todd have met every couple of weeks over recent months to discuss test prospects. They agree on around 25 players who are 'possibles' then each names a team.

"We've all pretty much come up with the same side every time," Anderson said.

So it looks like the Kiwis will be picked foremost on form.

There are exceptions, of course. Captain Nathan Cayless is clearly high in Anderson's thinking both as leader and front-running prop despite spending two months off with a broken arm. As is Warriors strike weapon Ali Lauiti'iti, out all season after surgery to remove a bone cyst from his arm.

Those two have been told they must complete two NRL games before the test in order to be in contention. Both are a chance but the Eels have a bye in round 18 ahead of Origin Three, so Cayless would have to go back to reserve grade that weekend.

Lauiti'iti will return against Manly at Ericsson Stadium next Saturday night.

Making themselves available for New Zealand for the first time - but perhaps more likely to push into the New Zealand 'A' side - are 21-year-old props Aaron Cannings, from Manly, and Joel Clinton at the Panthers.

If Cayless is not fit, the likely starting props are opposing each other at Townsville Stadium tomorrow night: the Warriors' Jerry Seuseu and Paul Rauhihi, who is leading the competition's off-load stats.

Or Stephen Kearney could be moved forward, possibly the best option given his go-forward and off-loading talent, experience and mana. He is a good option as captain, too.

Anderson may well want to avoid loading that role on to Warriors skipper Monty Betham or playmaker Jones.

Richard Swain will be at hooker. What he did in the first half against the Kangaroos in Wellington last year, the Broncos' table-topping position and the huge defensive load he carries make him a certainty. The only other option would be Betham, but Anderson obviously prefers him at lock.

There is an embarrassment of riches in the second row/lock area, all the more reason to push Kearney to front row.

Penrith's Tony Puletua is arguably the best in the competition. There are test players in Logan Swann, Ruben Wiki, Henry Perenara, Awen Guttenbeil, David Kidwell, David Solomona and Betham. The Warriors have found a new weapon in Sione Faumuina.

No question about halfback - and any team with Jones in it has to have a chance.

The centre spots will also be hotly contested, though Nigel Vagana and Clinton Toopi appear frontrunners. He or Vaealiki could play either No 1 or No 4.

Jamaal Lolesi has been in good form for Canberra and Paul Whatuira for Penrith. Both have the chance of a bench spot as wing/centre.

The wings, too, are clear. Francis Meli has scored 13 tries in NRL and is always damaging, offering an option as another forward late in the game. Matt Utai is unstoppable.

The selectors' work comes down to the bench and how to use it.

The team will be named after the last game of round 19, on July 18-20.

Peter Jessup's picks:


New Zealand: David Vaealiki, Matt Utai, Nigel Vagana, Clinton Toopi, Francis Meli, Motu Tony, Stacey Jones, Nathan Cayless or Stephen Kearney (c), Richard Swain, Jerry Seuseu, Kearney or Tony Puletua, Ali Lauiti'iti, Logan Swann; interchange; Ruben Wiki, Paul Rauhihi, Monty Betham or Tony Puletua, Paul Whatuira.

Australia: Darren Lockyer, Timana Tahu, Matt Gidley, Jamie Lyon, Hazem El Masri, Shaun Timmins, Andrew Johns (c), Shane Webcke, Danny Buderus, Luke Bailey, Gorden Tallis, Bryan Fletcher, Luke Ricketson; interchange; Jason Ryles, Phil Bailey, Craig Wing, Anthony Minichiello.

Aussie Kiwis: New Zealand-eligible players in Australian NRL teams:

Broncos - Richard Swain (hooker)

Bulldogs - Roy Asotasi (prop), Nigel Vagana and Willie Talau (centres), Matt Utai (wing)

Raiders - Jamaal Lolesi (centre), Tyran Smith (lock), Ruben Wiki (second rower)

Manly - Danny Lima and Aaron Cannings (props)

Melbourne - Stephen Kearney and David Kidwell (second rowers), Junior Langi (centre), Glenn Turner (forward utility)

Cowboys - Paul Rauhihi (prop)

Eels - Nathan Cayless and Alex Chan (props), David Solomona (second rower), David Vaealiki (centre)

Panthers - Tony Puletua and Joe Galuvao (second rowers), Joel Clinton (prop), Paul Whatuira (centre)

Dragons - Henry Perenara (second rower), Shane Laloata (centre)

Rabbitohs - Frank Puletua (prop), David Fa'alogo (utility)

Roosters - Jason Cayless and Andrew Lomu (props).

Wests Tigers - Willie Manu and Gray Viane (second rowers)