27 Apr 2016

Kearney takes swipe at Meninga

12:50 pm on 27 April 2016

The New Zealand rugby league coach Stephen Kearney has taken a swipe at the Kangaroos for selecting a former Fijian representative, ahead of next Friday's Test at Newcastle.

Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney

Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney Photo: Photosport

The Australian squad named by new coach Mal Meninga includes the former Fiji representative Semi Radradra of Parramatta, who played for Fiji in 2014.

Kearney says while Radradra is eligible, he's questioned the message Meninga is sending to Australian born players.

"Do I think it's right? The rules say he can play for Australia... (but) I'd be a little bit disappointed if I was born in Australia and playing in one of those positions and then I don't get picked if I've done the job for Australia before," he said.

The Kiwis squad for the Test will be named on Sunday with Kearney awaiting the results of a specialist appointment for his usual captain Simon Mannering, who suffered a severe cut to his mouth in the Warriors' loss to Melbourne.

Utility Tuimoala Lolohea will miss the Test, as he's out for up to four weeks with a knee injury.