Vatuvei, Matulino, Thompson blocked from Kiwis

Manu Vatuvei, Ben Matulino and Bodene Thompson have been ruled out of Kiwis contention. Photo / Getty Images.

It appears that Manu Vatuvei, Ben Matulino and Bodene Thompson have been blocked from representing the Kiwis by their club.

It's the latest development in the ongoing fallout from last week's ill timed night out, which saw six players cut from first grade contention.

The Warriors' move is an extreme one; it has effectively doubled the punishment for Vatuvei, Matulino and Thompson.

Missing an NRL match is one thing, but being denied the chance to represent your country is a whole other matter.

The Herald understands that Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney was still considering Vatuvei and Matulino, despite the events of last week.

They weren't certainties but with the loss of so many other players, their experience may have swung the deal.

-More to come

But the club's move has shut that door.