Outspoken Kiwi rookie gagged

He has been the Kiwis' surprise weapon – both on and off the field – but now Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has been gagged by New Zealand rugby league coach Stephen Kearney.

The surprise success of the tour has also provided the best headlines, infuriating the Australians with his on-field sledging in the opening game in London, then firing them up again afterwards when he said he had "no respect" for the Kangaroos.

But Kearney has put Waerea-Hargreaves on a media ban until after the Kiwis play England this Sunday, although he denies it's because of anything the 20-year-old Manly backrower has said.

"He's off-limits," Kearney confirmed. "I just think for a young guy in his position and this time of his career, his focus needs to be on why he is in the side, and that's playing footy. The other part of it could be a distraction, which I don't think he needs at this time.

"If it is going to help their performance not to [talk] then I will [ban them] because they are not quite used to [the media] and it takes a bit of time to get experienced in that side of things."

It is clear that Parramatta grand final centre Krisnan Inu is no guarantee to replace Steve Matai if he's ruled out of Sunday's game. It is understood Matai's Manly team-mate, Kieran Foran, is also a strong chance to replace Matai, while second rower Iosia Soliola could also revert to his old position.

"I am not sure yet," Kearney said. "I don't think either [Foran or Inu] would let us down. Once I've had a good look at England, I will determine who is going to be in line for the job."

An eye specialist will decide Matai's fate later this week, but Kiwis doctor Simon Mayhew conceded he is very doubtful to feature at Huddersfield. Mayhew said an initial indication that he needed five days' complete rest was a minimum.

Matai is wearing thick black sunglasses to rest his eyes, and the specialist will decide if playing would cause further damage.

Mayhew said Bronson Harrison had begun running lightly again yesterday and was likely to rejoin the team today, while Jeff Lima, who is also recovering from a calf injury, was a day ahead of Harrison and due back to full training yesterday. Both are now considered a strong chance to play.

Meanwhile, the Kangaroos will field test football's first pair of twins since Kerrod and Kevin Walters in 1991 when Josh and Brett Morris both appear against France in Paris this weekend.

Kangaroo coach Tim Sheens will ensure that all his touring party will get a game by including Michael Jennings and Cooper Cronk.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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