SKD Ruled Out Of Kangaroos Clash

Shaun Kenny-Dowall has been scratched for the Kiwis - but his replacement has yet to be confirmed.

The withdraw of the Roosters' centre is no surprise, as he was in a moon boot until Wednesday morning and took no part in the training sessions at the start of the week.

He was given until Thursday morning to prove his fitness, but coach Stephen Kearney confirmed he was ruled out before the captain's run.

It's a considerable blow and leaves the Kiwis will only Shaun Johnson and Jason Nightingale as experienced members of their back line.

Brad Takairangi is the logical replacement for Kenny-Dowall, and the Eels centre has impressed since he came into camp. But Tohu Harris is also a possibility - he has played a number of games at centre for the Storm this year - which would mean Kodi Nikorima would move from the bench to No6.

Kearney will make his final decision on Friday morning.

NZ Herald