Sinfield dropped for decisive Test as Kiwis lose Kearney

Kevin Sinfield of Leeds is the unexpected omission from the Great Britain team for tomorrow's third Test against a New Zealand line-up weakened by the departure of Stephen Kearney.

The world-class second-row forward has flown home because of the illness of his daughter, who needs an operation. "Obviously, losing our most experienced player is a blow, but we are lucky in that New Zealand rugby league has depth," said the Kiwis' captain, Stacey Jones. "We've got four players of the highest quality who have missed out over the last two weeks."

With Clinton Toopi also flying home with a broken hand and Robbie Paul unlikely to be able to play because of a deep knee wound, the Kiwis are now down to 19 fit players. The immediate beneficiary of Kearney's return home could be Castleford's Michael Smith, who would be winning his first cap, compared to the 43 Kearney has packed away.

"We hope everything is alright for Stephen, because we respect him as such a tough competitor," said the Great Britain coach, David Waite, who selected his side for the decisive game in the best-of-three series at Wigan's JJB Stadium without knowing of Kearney's departure.

Sinfield is unlucky to be left out after solid contributions in the first two Tests. "The players on the fringe are bound to be disappointed," Waite said. "But Paul Sculthorpe coming back to his best has put some pressure on Kevin."

Waite has optimistically named Adrian Morley in his starting line-up, although his virus has now kept the Sydney Roosters player out of training for more than a week. "He has improved again and we hope he is now in that phase of improving rapidly," Waite said.

If Morley does not make it, Jamie Peacock will be promoted from the bench and Terry O'Connor, like his Wigan team-mate Gary Connolly, will make his final Test appearance on the ground where he plays his club rugby.

O'Connor's place in the first XIII has gone to Barrie McDermott, who was dropped for the second Test. "He is champing at the bit, but then he always is," said Waite.

Connolly, who is switching to playing rugby union for Orrell after this match, has revealed an ambition to play for Ireland in the World Cup next year.

The centre or full-back, who qualifies through his grandparents, has had talks with the former Wigan player and Oldham coach Mike Ford, who is on the Irish coaching staff, about making himself available for the tournament.

"I said I would be interested. If I'm playing well enough for Orrell and I manage to adapt to the game, then playing in the World Cup would be my target," Connolly said.