New Leeds Rhinos signing Greg Eastwood has been named on the bench for New Zealand for the World Cup Final this weekend in Brisbane.
New Leeds Rhinos signing Greg Eastwood has been named on the bench for New Zealand for the World Cup Final this weekend in Brisbane. Eastwood, who will join the Rhinso after the World Cup from Brisbane Broncos, will be making his final appearance on his home ground before heading to Yorkshire. New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney has named an unchanged team for Saturday's World Cup final against Australia after skipper Nathan Cayless and second-rower Sika Manu both avoided disciplinary action. Cayless has been cautioned for a high tackle on Warrington forward Adrian Morley during the Kiwis' 32-22 semi-final win over England last Saturday while Manu received a similar warning for a foul on Gareth Ellis. Players are allowed one caution in the tournament, leaving both men free to line up against the Kangaroos at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium. Wigan scrum-half Thomas Leuluai will keep the hooking role after impressing on his switch for the semi-final and there is another starting role for second-rower Bronson Harrison, the suprise packet of the tournament. "The Kangaroos have some wonderful players and they've played some fantastic football during the tournament so far," said Kearney. "While we know we'll need to be a lot better against Australia, we're excited with the opportunity we have. We don't want to have any regrets on Saturday night." The Kiwis will make their third World Cup final appearance aiming to complete their first-ever victory. Full team: Lance Hohaia; Sam Perrett (Sydney Roosters), Simon Mannering, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei (NZ Warriors); Benji Marshall (Wests Tigers), Nathan Fien; Nathan Cayless (Parramatta, capt), Thomas Leuluai (Wigan), Adam Blair (Melbourne), Daivd Fa'alogo (South Sydney), Bronson Harrison (South Sydney), Jeremy Smith (Melbourne). Subs: Issac Luke (South Sydney), Greg Eastwood (Brisbane), Sam Rapira (NZ Warriors), Sika Manu (Melbourne)