Reynolds Kicks Cowboys to loss
4 hours ago | Andrew Ferguson
New Zealand coach Daniel Anderson admits that he is unlikely to select any Tetley's Rugby Super League players for their Test Match with Australia this month. The Kiwis take on Australia at Telstra Stadium on Friday 25 July in the first of two trans-Tasman meetings this year.
A number of New Zealanders based in Britain could have been in line for a call-up for the game, but Anderson admits that the time constraints in getting the players to Australia in time would be restrictive in his preparation.
"If they play on the Sunday in England, they'd only get here on the Wednesday morning," Anderson said, in the Rugby League Week magazine.
"And that's insufficient preparation to play a Test Match - a two-day turn-around is a massive gamble for anyone.
"It would only give me about 24 hours to get to know them and for them to learn their roles in the side, so I can't see it happening.
"It's very unlikely I'll pick any Super League players."
Bradford will face Widnes on Sunday 20 July, the week before the Test, and the news is a blow to the quartet of Joe Vagana, Shontayne Hape, Lesley Vainikolo and Tevita Vaikona.
Robbie Paul would have missed the clash anyway due to a broken arm, while Hull's Richie Barnett stated in May that he did not expect to be called up and that he had effectively hung up his international boots.
However, Castleford's Michael Smith would have been keen to follow up his call into the Kiwi Touring party last season, when he made his Test debut in France, while Leeds' Willie Poching said last week that he hoped to one day wear the New Zealand shirt.
Wigan Warriors' Craig Smith has also been looking to return to the Kiwi fold after missing last year's Test Series with Great Britain due to an ankle injury.