Rugby League: Wiki off the leash

By CHRIS BARCLAY

The protective guard is on but the gloves will be off should warhorse Ruben Wiki join, as expected, the Kiwis bid for a series sealing victory on Sunday.

Wiki was a "frustrated water boy" as the Kiwis swept to a 30-16 first test triumph in Blackburn last weekend after management wisely opted to give the thumb he dislocated against Wales longer to heal.

The 34-test veteran was able to train in the lead-up to the Ewood Park opener but accepts the wait was justified.

"The stitches are out now, I've got a guard for it, so it's ready for action," he said after his first training run since before the first test.

Wiki's return from injury may be timed perfectly - his hard-nosed approach adding to a Kiwis pack that is braced for another punishing encounter.

Great Britain, without a series win since they beat the Kiwis here nine years ago, have their backs to the wall - and their backs up, as an inquest into Jerry Seuseu's massive hit on opposing prop Stuart Fielden continued this week.

Although Fielden had accepted the initial head clash was an accident, his team-mates, including Adrian Morley, were incensed Seuseu carried on with the tackle.

"I wasn't too happy when he didn't get off - he gave a bit of abuse to Stuart and the guys took exception to it," Morley said.

Wiki was aware of the prospect of retaliation, declaring: "I've come back at the right time then. I'm willing to put my little bit in for the team."

Coach Gary Freeman is almost certain to restore Wiki to a pack that responded superbly after losing utility prop David Solomona and front rower Paul Rauhihi for most of the match.

Freeman also has a virus-free David Vaealiki to factor into his backline calculations.

He would not confirm when the lineup would be named.

On the injury front, Solomona (chest) and Rauhihi (thigh) were still doubtful although Solomona has been running freely during skills sessions.

Rauhihi was confined to gym work with centre Clinton Toopi, who is still dogged by a chest injury suffered against England A a fortnight ago.

Meanwhile, Kiwi fullback Robbie Paul said Great Britain would lose little with the addition of Bradford team-mate James Lowes in place of injured hooker Keiron Cunningham.

Lowes is poised to play his first test for Great Britain in five years.

"He'll bring discipline and aggression. He reads the play in front of them and if feels there's a certain player his forwards are getting on top of he'll keep taking the ball back there, we'll have to be on our guard," Paul said.

"In a sense he's similar to Keiron, they're both go forward players. The advantage Jimmy has is his short passing game, he looks like he's going to hit the line but the ball pops out."

Paul said it would be an advantage for Lowes and Great Britain for the dummy half to be surrounded by some many Bradford players that were familiar with his style.

- NZPA