Berkeley_Eagle
Current Status: 24/7 Manly Fan
Test prop Brent Kite to miss Manly's World Club Challenge match
  February 13, 2009
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25049030-23210,00.html
MANLY will be without Test prop Brent Kite for next month's rugby league World Club Challenge against Super League champions Leeds Rhinos.
Manly club officials said Kite, who played for Australia in last year's World Cup, has been given unspecified compassionate leave and will miss the tour.
Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler on Friday named two new recruits in his 23-man squad to tour Britain for the World Club Challenge.
Newcastle stand-off Chris Bailey and former Penrith utility forward Shane Rodney were called into the Sea Eagles squad that won last year's NRL grand final 40-0 over Melbourne Storm.
Missing from the premiership side are Steve Menzies, Steven Bell and Mark Bryant, who all now play in the Super League.
Apart from Kite, injured duo Michael Bani and star recruit Tony Williams will also miss the trip.
Premiership stars Steve Matai and Brett Stewart were named after off-season shoulder surgery ruled them out of last year's World Cup.
"The players have had a great preparation in the off-season and are really excited about the trip," Hasler said.
"For us we are definitely taking it very seriously.
"It is a big game for us as it is also the NRL side's final trial match before the season."
The reigning NRL premiers depart on Sunday for the WCC clash against Super League champions Leeds at Elland Road on March 1.
Manly will also play a warm up clash against the Harlequins in London on February 22.
The Sea Eagles will be bidding to become the first Australian NRL champions to win the WCC since Sydney Roosters beat St Helens in Bolton in 2003.
Leeds beat Melbourne 11-4 in last year's match at Elland Road.
Agence France-Presse
  February 13, 2009
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25049030-23210,00.html
MANLY will be without Test prop Brent Kite for next month's rugby league World Club Challenge against Super League champions Leeds Rhinos.
Manly club officials said Kite, who played for Australia in last year's World Cup, has been given unspecified compassionate leave and will miss the tour.
Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler on Friday named two new recruits in his 23-man squad to tour Britain for the World Club Challenge.
Newcastle stand-off Chris Bailey and former Penrith utility forward Shane Rodney were called into the Sea Eagles squad that won last year's NRL grand final 40-0 over Melbourne Storm.
Missing from the premiership side are Steve Menzies, Steven Bell and Mark Bryant, who all now play in the Super League.
Apart from Kite, injured duo Michael Bani and star recruit Tony Williams will also miss the trip.
Premiership stars Steve Matai and Brett Stewart were named after off-season shoulder surgery ruled them out of last year's World Cup.
"The players have had a great preparation in the off-season and are really excited about the trip," Hasler said.
"For us we are definitely taking it very seriously.
"It is a big game for us as it is also the NRL side's final trial match before the season."
The reigning NRL premiers depart on Sunday for the WCC clash against Super League champions Leeds at Elland Road on March 1.
Manly will also play a warm up clash against the Harlequins in London on February 22.
The Sea Eagles will be bidding to become the first Australian NRL champions to win the WCC since Sydney Roosters beat St Helens in Bolton in 2003.
Leeds beat Melbourne 11-4 in last year's match at Elland Road.
Agence France-Presse
