INJURED PIE’S HAND UP FOR A REMATCH

COLLINGWOOD captain Scott Pendlebury is fighting the calls to scrap International Rules out of concern for injuries to the AFL’s star players.

And the star midfielder is underlining his commitment to the Inter- national Rules Series format by keeping himself in the Australian squad for the second Test in Perth on Saturday.

Pendlebury sent a scare through the Australian camp – and more so Collingwood – when he injured a finger on his left hand in Australia’s 10point win over Ireland at Adelaide Oval in the first Test on Sunday. Scans have revealed no break and the injury is not on the finger that was broken during the Magpies’ AFL campaign this year.

“It’s only minor,” Pendlebury said yesterday.

“If it was the AFL, I would’ve played out the game and I would’ve played the next week. I’m keen to play on Saturday over in Perth.”

Pendlebury remains a strong advocate for the hybrid game with the Irish Gaelic footballers.

“Any time you can play for Australia and play with the best of the best. It’s a great experience,” Pendlebury said.