ROCHDALE – New Zealand are set to run Nelson Asofa-Solomona as a back-rower against Ireland this Friday night in an attempt to solve their pack puzzle.

Michael Maguire has an abundance of big men at his disposal, so much so that his major issue has been getting them all on the park at the same time. Isaiah Papali’i will drop to the interchange bench to accommodate the move.

With Jared Waerea-Hargreaves set to return to the side for the first time since November 2019, Madge revealed that Asofa-Solomona will be trialled on an edge to get him more minutes, having impressed in the role in the latter stages of the NRL season with Melbourne.

“He showed some real quality with the things he can do as a backrower and he moves really good for a big guy,” said Maguire.

“I think Isaiah can do a good job for us. He’s powerful and strong too when he’s got the ball and he can create good momentum in the middle, and Nelson can spend a bit more time on the field as well.”

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PNG & Kukis count costs of fiery clash

The Match Review Panel has had its say after the bruising encounter between PNG and the Cook Islands, banning Kumuls forward McKenzie Yei and Kukis centre Reubenn Rennie after both were binned.

Yei was sat down for a high tackle, which was deemed bad enough to merit a one-game ban, leaving the influential backrowers suspended for PNG’s crucial clash with Wales in Doncaster next week.

Rennie was also yellow-carded in the game at Warrington and will miss the Cook Islands qualification battle with Tonga in Middlesborough.

Ireland’s attempt to free Jaimin Jolliffe for their match with New Zealand was unsuccessful, with the MRP upholding his ban for Dangerous Contact.

Brazilian flair lands in Leeds

Teams are arriving in the UK ahead of the start of next week’s Women’s World Cup, with tournament debutants Brazil joining the PNG Orchids and Canada Ravens in Leeds.

The three visiting teams were guests at a civic reception in Leeds City Hall, with local politicians and officials from Leeds Rhinos, who will host the first round of games on Tuesday. Over 10,000 tickets have been sold for the opening fixture, a new record for Women’s Rugby League in the Northern Hemisphere.

“It was my pleasure to welcome the Brazil, Canada and Papua New Guinea players, coaches and officials to our great city,” said Mayor Robert Gettings.

“Leeds is a place that prides itself on its friendliness, and I’m sure all involved will head home at the end of the tournament with fond memories of their time here.”