Goodwin gets Four Nations gig on Hayne - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Goodwin gets Four Nations gig on Hayne

By Steve Mascord 22/10/2009 03:12:53 PM Comments (0)

New Zealand winger Bryson Goodwin not only faces his major international initiation against the country his dad represented with distinction this Saturday, but he must mark the world's form rugby league player.

The Bulldogs star numbering up on Jarryd Hayne was the major news when the Kiwis and Australia named their sides for their Four Nations openers at the Stoop.

Coach Stephen Kearney's side also featured call-ups for centre Junior Sau in preference to Krisnan Inu, halfback Nathan Fien edging out Thomas Leuluai, prop Fuifui Moimoi returning after a two-year absence, and youngster Keiran Foran landing a bench spot.

Asked who would mark Hayne, the NRL's Dally M winner for 2009, coach Stephen Kearney told NZPA: "It will be Bryson if he (Hayne) plays on their right".

Goodwin's father Ted was a former Australian Test fullback. Bryson won his first Test cap last week against Tonga.

Hayne trained at right wing for the Kangaroos on Wednesday.

Kearney said it would be every player's job to limit the effectiveness of the Parramatta star, who has been moved away from his club position of fullback for his northern hemisphere debut.

"We've got some handy guys with the football too," Kearney said.

"It's our plan to make sure we apply as much pressure with the ball as we can.

"I think he is dangerous wherever he (Hayne) is. I'm sure he'll go looking for the ball if he's on the wing and he's got the ability to cause any defensive line some real problems."

Australia, meanwhile, named three debutants - winger Brett Morris, prop Ben Hannant and interchange forward Brett White.

Earlier, the Kiwis lost utility Greg Eastwood to a hamstring injury.

"He hurt his hamstring two days ago and we're not prepared to take risks with it," team doctor Simon Mayhew said.

"He's unlikely, obviously, to be ready for the weekend and we'll just look after him and the target will be to get him ready for the French game.

"He's got good power in it, good stretch, but one of the rules of thumb are that you've got to have a good week of training before he plays the game, otherwise the risks of injuring it are too high."

Kangaroos debutant Morris confirmed he would play on the left wing, admitting Hayne had chosen the right side.

"I didn't really have first choice," he said.

"Me and Haynesy sort of spoke about it. Obviously I played on the left with the Dragons all year and Haynesy played mostly fullback.

"I just asked he what he preferred and he just said `I'll go right and you go left'."

The tournament kicks off with England hosting France at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium on Friday night.

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