Lauitit'iti
out of Test match, Storm foward also suspended

New Zealand second rower Ali Lauiti'iti has been ruled out of Friday night's Test against Australia after being found guilty of a high tackle at the NRL judiciary. Lauiti'iti received a one match ban for a grade one careless high tackle.

Kiwi slectors must now chose a replacement from standby players Joe Galuvao of Penrith and Warrior Sione Faumuina.

In last night's only other case, Melbourne forward Dallas Johnson was found guilty of a dangerous throw and was also outed for one match. Johnson will miss the Storm's clash with South Sydney at Olympic Park on Saturday night.

Meanwhile, Shane Webcke has declared his Brisbane team-mate Darren Lockyer a certain starter for Australia. Selectors have placed Sydney Roosters' Queensland utility Shannon Hegarty on standby because of Lockyer's nagging ankle injury.

The durable 26-year-old has carried the injury for most of the season. But Webcke has no doubt the brilliant fullback will make himself available to play his 17th Test before taking a couple of weeks' rest from club football.