Deja Vu ?

It could be a Tony Puletua situation all over again for New Zealand Rugby League.

Puletua was ruled out of the Kiwis tests in the UK with his club Penrith insisting he have surgery after last weekend's test against the Kangaroos in New Zealand.

Now Bradford have released winger Lesley Vainikolo for this weekend's test against the Aussies, but say he then must have knee surgery.

It will prevent him from playing against Great Britain, who are coached by Brian Noble, the Bradford coach.

NZRL boss Selwyn Pearson hopes there is no conspiracy.

He says if someone tells him a player needs to have surgery and they kindly allow him to play one game before going under the knife, he has to accept that.

But Pearson admits it smells fishy.

Pearson says if their first game was against Great Britain, would they have sent him under the knife before it?

He says he cannot answer that and hopes not.

Pearson says they may get the Kiwis team doctor to examine Vainikolo to see whether immediate surgery is needed.

He says it would not be underhand as another opinion would not hurt.

The NZRL has requested Vainikolo's medical reports from Bradford and hopes to have them by Wednesday night.