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Rugby League

Kiwis handed Webb blow

03/10/2007

Leeds Rhinos full-back Brent Webb has declared himself unavailable for New Zealand's three-match Test series against Great Britain to undergo surgery.

The 26-year-old needs an unspecified operation at the end of the current Super League season and has also declared that he is suffering from fatigue and needs to rest and recuperate in the autumn.

Webb played for New Zealand in the last Test series against Great Britain, helping his country to a 2-1 series victory last year.

But he has said he will not take part this time around.

"I've made myself unavailable," Webb confirmed.

"I need a few things fixed up at the end of the season and to give the body a bit of a rest."

The Rhinos lynchpin is currently under the tutelage of Tony Smith – the man who will take over as full-time Great Britain coach at the end of the season.

And while he admitted Webb would be a big loss for the Kiwis, Smith was also disappointed that he would not be pitting his wits against the best possible side.

"We'd love to see him there," Smith said.

"You want to put yourself up against the best and he's a world-class player – he's a crowd-pleaser as well."