Minichiello
ruled out for Roosters

Roosters fullback Anthony Minichiello has been ruled out of Saturday night's NRL match against North Queensland in Townsville with a hamstring strain.

Minichiello was a late withdrawal from Tuesday's Anzac Day clash against St George Illawarra because of the injury, and the incumbent Australian fullback is now in a race against time to be fit for next week's Test against New Zealand.

The club says Minichiello is undergoing intense physiotherapy with his hamstring strain responding slowly. No replacement has been named for the Cowboys game.