Kite out of WCC

[Chip and Chase]

Test prop Brent Kite to miss Manly's World Club Challenge match

February 13, 2009 MANLY will be without Test prop Brent Kite for next month's rugby league World Club Challenge against Super League champions Leeds Rhinos.

Manly club officials said Kite, who played for Australia in last year's World Cup, has been given unspecified compassionate leave and will miss the tour.

Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler on Friday named two new recruits in his 23-man squad to tour Britain for the World Club Challenge.

Newcastle stand-off Chris Bailey and former Penrith utility forward Shane Rodney were called into the Sea Eagles squad that won last year's NRL grand final 40-0 over Melbourne Storm.

Missing from the premiership side are Steve Menzies, Steven Bell and Mark Bryant, who all now play in the Super League.

Apart from Kite, injured duo Michael Bani and star recruit Tony Williams will also miss the trip.

Premiership stars Steve Matai and Brett Stewart were named after off-season shoulder surgery ruled them out of last year's World Cup.

"The players have had a great preparation in the off-season and are really excited about the trip," Hasler said.

"For us we are definitely taking it very seriously.

"It is a big game for us as it is also the NRL side's final trial match before the season."

The reigning NRL premiers depart on Sunday for the WCC clash against Super League champions Leeds at Elland Road on March 1.

Manly will also play a warm up clash against the Harlequins in London on February 22.

The Sea Eagles will be bidding to become the first Australian NRL champions to win the WCC since Sydney Roosters beat St Helens in Bolton in 2003.

Leeds beat Melbourne 11-4 in last year's match at Elland Road.


Agence France-Presse

 

[Chip and Chase]

He'll be a big loss for us. We are without Bryant too. What scenario is most likely ? Perry, Cuthbo and King as the front row rotation, or will Hall move up front and bring in Rodney or Warea Hargreaves (maybe a bit green still) to cover vacant back row spot.

I think Perry, Ballin, King, Watmough, Hall, Stewart run on - with Le Snak, Cuthbo, Rodney and Bailey (as utility) on bench.

I see Morwood is in the squad but surely not a chance of getting a run.........surely ??? Same with big George.

Stewart, Robbo, Wolfman, Matai, Neumann, Lyon, Orford seems most likely backs lineup. If Neumann has a shocker Lyon could move to centre and Bailey to 5/8.

 

[DSM5]

I reckon Bailey will get the run on 5/8th spot pushing Lyon to where he plays best.  On the bench, King, Le'Snack, Cuthbo and Neumann.  Hall and Perry as the starting props,  Rodney as lock.  Depending on the surface, maybe four big guys on the bench, if it's heavy then Rose for Neumann.  George can just plough up the middle.