Those Kiwis are alright - Mark
Geyer

A massive about-face from former Australian rugby league hard man Mark Geyer.

In the buildup to Saturday's test between the Kiwis and Kangaroos at North Harbour Stadium Geyer labelled the New Zealand line-up as dreadful and a reserve grade side.

However Geyer is happy to admit the Kiwis proved him wrong with the 16-all draw.

In fact, now he is saying they can win Sunday's rematch at Loftus Road in London.

Geyer says it may be sacrilege, but he is backing the Kiwis.

Geyer says the addition of the English based players with firepower like Ali Lauitiiti, Robbie Paul and Lesley Vainakolo is a huge advantage for New Zealand, not to mention

He says it is a very short turnaround and the team which recovers from the travel to the UK the best will probably come out on top.

Meanwhile, it looks as if New Zealand WILL have a referee in the rugby league tri-series.

Glen Black refereed the curtain raiser to the Kiwis v Kangaroos game under the watchful eye of Australian referees boss Mick Stone.

The Aussies wanted to check Black out before confirming him for the tri-series.

NZRL referees boss Ian Mackintosh says Black had an excellent game.

Mackintosh says Mick Stone will be recommending to the ARL that Black controls the match between Great Britain and Australia in two weeks.

Mackintosh says Black has been kitted out in all the official gear and flies out to the UK on Thursday.