Gallen fears Kiwi backlash

Updated October 27, 2011 13:51:05

Australian prop Paul Gallen admits his side is wary of a wounded New Zealand when the two nations meet in the opening clash of the Four Nations on Saturday (AEDT).

Kangaroos head coach Tim Sheens has named an unchanged side from the one that dismantled the Kiwis so convincingly two weeks ago as he prepares for the tournament curtain raiser.

But despite the 42-6 romp in Newcastle, Gallen knows all too well it would be foolish to write off the World Cup and defending Four Nations champions.

"It is scary to think that New Zealand have been hurting for the past two weeks," Gallen said.

"It has happened to us in the past where we have been caught but I would like to think that we have learned from that and that we can put things right this year.

"We aren't looking any further than this game at the moment, as far as we're concerned this is the most important game of the tournament and it's crucial to start with a win."

With the tournament taking place in Britain this year the 30-year-old Gallen admits that conditions at Warrington's Halliwell Jones Stadium might favour the Kiwis over the Kangaroos.

"We've come from summer over in Australia to winter here and the conditions are probably going to be far more slippery and greasy than they were in Newcastle and that will favour New Zealand," Gallen said.

"There will be a bit more play up the middle with less passing and line breaks than there were two weeks ago but as long as we complete our sets and kick and chase well then the result should go our way."

Kiwi head coach Stephen Kearney has largely kept faith with the side that under performed two weeks ago as New Zealand Warrior Ben Matulino comes in for the suspended Russell Packer.

Thomas Leuluai, the only English-based player in the New Zealand squad, is on the bench with Isaac Luke replacing Australian-born Nathan Fien in the starting line-up.

That means that four of the five debutants from a fortnight ago, Kevin Locke, Gerard Beale, Kalifa Faifai Loa and Alex Glenn, all keep their places in the squad.

Young stars shining

And captain and talisman Benji Marshall has endorsed Kearney's selection, laughing off suggestions that inexperience was the main reason for his side's under-par showing last time out.

"The biggest thing about the loss against Australia two weeks ago was the fact that all our young boys stood up," Marshall said.

"A lot of people have been making excuses about the fact we had so many young, inexperienced guys in the team but I thought they were our best players.

"I really feel like if we control possession a bit better, and let's not forget we only completed 40-odd per cent against the Kangaroos last time, we will compete."

Meanwhile on Saturday host England and Wales clash in Leigh with England head coach Steve McNamara including a number of Australian-based players in his starting 13.

Former Dragon Rangi Chase retains his place in the halves alongside skipper Kevin Sinfield while Tiger Chris Heighington and Brisbane's Jack Reed both start.

Sinfield paid tribute to his team-mates based in Australia and the good influence they have had on the squad so far.

"Rangi has been fantastic as have the other Australian-based guys who have come in, their attitude has been brilliant and they have certainly brought a freshness to the squad," Sinfield said.

"We have got a nice mix of youth and experience, so on the one hand we've got exuberance but on the other also a steely determination from the older guys."

AFP

Tags: rugby-league, sport, england, united-kingdom, new-zealand, australia

First posted October 27, 2011 13:51:05

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Sharks wary of Hayne backlash

Posted May 18, 2011 17:31:00

Cronulla is preparing to face the full brunt of Jarryd Hayne's State of Origin frustrations as the Parramatta star sets out to prove a point following his game one snubbing.

New South Wales coach Ricky Stuart did his former club few favours by overlooking the star full-back for next week's series opener, with the Sharks wary of a vengeful Hayne in Monday night's NRL clash at Parramatta Stadium.

The Eels number one was a shock omission for the Lang Park clash, with Hayne himself admitting to being confused by his axing - believing he had done enough to retain a berth after excelling in well-beaten sides over the last two series.

Even the Sharks were left a little stunned by his non-selection, and they are now fearing the worst on Monday night.

"It caught us by surprise a bit, I certainly expected him to be there in the Blues team," Sharks hooker John Morris said.

"It's just natural that after you've missed out on selection like that you're going to be keen for a big game.

"(Hayne's) no different, he'll be pumped to have a big game."

Hayne certainly gave himself every chance of forcing his way into Stuart's squad with a phenomenal display for the Eels against North Queensland last Saturday night - less than 24 hours before the Blues side was named.

But six line-break assists, four tackle breaks, one try assist and two offloads were not enough to convince Stuart, with the Blues coach claiming Hayne's style of play was not conducive to his gameplan for Origin I.

New South Wales' potential loss is shaping as Parramatta's gain, with Morris admitting the Sharks could only limit his impact rather than shut him down completely.

"He's always a danger no matter when you play him - whether he's missed out on (Blues) selection or not," Morris said.

"We'll be doing what we can to limit those parts in the game when he's going to step up and cause trouble.

"As long as we can minimise that, we'll be okay."

That could be easier said than done for the Sharks, who will go into the game without their two best defenders in Paul Gallen (New South Wales Origin commitments) and Jeremy Smith (injury).

But while Hayne looms as an unexpected worry for Cronulla, the Sharks could have their own surprise x-factor with injured full-back Nathan Gardner some chance of making his return on Monday night.

Gardner has not played since re-injuring ankle in the round eight loss to South Sydney, but he hopes a visit to the specialist will clear him to resume running with the side on Friday.

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia, nsw, cronulla-2230, parramatta-2150

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