Bryson Goodwin will make his debut marking Jarryd Hayne
By Steve Mascord
October 23, 2009
New Zealand winger Bryson Goodwin faces his major international initiation against the country his dad represented with distinction, and he will do it marking the world's form 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, London.
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 said: "It will be Bryson if he (Hayne) plays on their right."
Goodwin's father Ted was a former Australian Test fullback. The son 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 (Hayne) is dangerous wherever he is."
Australia, meanwhile, named three debutants - winger Brett Morris, prop Ben Hannant and interchange forward Brett White. Earlier yesterday, the Kiwis lost utility Greg Eastwood to a hamstring injury.
"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," team doctor Simon Mayhew said.
Kangaroos debutant Morris confirmed he would play on the left wing, admitting Hayne had chosen the right side.
The tournament kicks off with England hosting France at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium tomorrow morning.
