Wiki likely Kiwi Captain for
Tri-series

Ruben Wiki looks likely to skipper the Kiwis in the end of season Tri-Nations series against the Kangaroos and Great Britain.

Kiwis coach Daniel Anderson confirmed he wants Wiki to lead the team in the tournament that kicks-off on October 16 against the Australians at North Harbour Stadium.

"If Ruben's healthy and available he'll be my choice there's no doubt about it," Anderson said.

"I'm a big fan of Ruben. He's done nothing but impress me every time I meet him.

"I don't think there will be one person who says he's not deserving of the role."

Anderson and the Kiwis management team are in the process of finalising the tour schedule.

Following the test at North Harbour the Kiwis will travel to England and play Australia again in London on October 23.

They face two tests against Great Britain on November 6 and 20. The final of the Tri-Nations will be played on November 27 in Leeds.

"We're mainly looking at the games outside the Tri-Nations that we need to get sorted out - like the one against France," he said.

He also revealed that plans were being made to put together a combined Australian and New Zealand team to play an exhibition game during the series.

"It's still in the early stages. Wayne Bennett and myself have spoken about the need for our fringe players that don't get much football to play a game over there," he said.

"Basically the Australians will provide nine and the Kiwis will provide nine.

"A representative from each team will coach the side.

"We're pretty confident the game will go ahead, what they wear and what they're called is yet to be determined."

Anderson and his selectors will bring together a squad of up to 24 players for the series.

"We don't know how many will be English-based. We're working through the logistics of it at the moment," he said.

"The first test over here at North Harbour Stadium coincides with the English Super league grand final. So the availability of players is yet to be decided.

"There's plenty of pieces to go to the puzzle but we've got the framework."

Anderson admits he's been impressed with a number of the squad's contenders.

"Some of the players that didn't play in the Anzac test have really put their hands up," he said.

"Paul Rauhihi has been great for the North Queensland Cowboys and Alex Chan has been excellent for the Melbourne Storm.

"Jamaal Lolesi is playing very well for the Bulldogs as well. It's good to see those players that were on the fringe for the Anzac test have taken the bit between their teeth."