Kidwell keeps Roos guessing

Kiwis coach has done a Wayne Bennett, writes Blake Foden in Liverpool.

Kiwis coach David Kidwell continues to play mind games ahead of tomorrow’s Four Nations final, releasing his squad for the decider in alphabetical order rather than nominating positions.

The tactic is well within international rules and was exploited by England boss Wayne Bennett throughout the tournament, but Kidwell has until now revealed his line-ups in the traditional 1-17 format.

In the face of mounting pressure after a shock draw with minnows Scotland last week, Kidwell gave nothing away when asked about selection earlier in the week.

He’s continued to keep his cards close to his chest, now naming a squad that reveals little except that winger Jason Nightingale has been dropped, likely in favour of David Fusitu’a. Prop Jared WaereaHargreaves, who hasn’t played since injuring his knee in the tournament opener, was considered for selection but is also out of contention to play Australia.

Tohu Harris is expected to switch to standoff in place of the injured Thomas Leuluai after training in the role this week.

But by naming rookie playmaker Te Maire Martin among his 19 players, Kidwell can keep Kangaroos mentor Mal Meninga guessing until an hour before kickoff tomorrow morning, NZ time.

Martin could still jag a bench spot if he doesn’t wear the No 6, but that seems unlikely given Lewis Brown’s experience in the utility role. Brown is one of six players to return to the squad after being rested for the shock draw with Scotland last week, joining Jordan Rapana, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Jordan Kahu, Jason Taumalolo and Kevin Proctor.

Outside backs Gerard Beale and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak have been dropped, but all four players who debuted against Scotland last week stay in contention for a spot in the decider given the injuries to Leuluai and Waerea-Hargreaves. It’s almost certain, though, that two of them will miss out.

The Kangaroos named their squad in similar fashion, though Meninga and fullback Darius Boyd all but revealed the final 17 during interviews earlier in the week.

Shannon Boyd will beat Jake Trbojevic to a bench spot in place of the injured Sam Thaiday, in the only change to the Australian side that beat England last weekend.

Trbojevic still gets a place in the Kangaroos’ 19-man squad, joining Cowboys centre Justin O’Neill in providing cover.