Vatuvei in doubt for Kiwis

Nov 19, 2013 - 7:44 PM Blockbusting wing Manu Vatuvei remains in serious doubt for the Kiwis Rugby League World Cup semi-final against England at Wembley.

Vatuvei injured his groin during the quarter-final victory over Scotland at Headingley and hasn't trained since and skipped Tuesday's session.

Assistant coach Ivan Cleary says it's too early to make a decision on his availability but was hopeful he would face England.

"It's still Tuesday. He's doing everything he can in rehab at the moment. We'll give him as long as we can. We'll see how he progresses and take it from there," Cleary said.

"Medical advice is that there is no use running him today. He probably could train, but at this stage we're just trying to give him every chance to recover so when he does train, he can train close to full fitness."

Cleary said the even if Vatuvei isn't 100 per cent, he may still make it onto the Wembley pitch.

"He surprised me last week and we're getting to the stage now where they're pretty keen to play. When the stakes get this high, you never rule anyone out."

If Vatuvei is ruled out, veteran Kiwis wing Jason Nightingale will slot straight onto the left edge.

"Jason Nightingale has arguably been one of the form wingers in the NRL over the last five years. He's always done well for the Kiwis and is busting for a game as well. It's a pretty good position to be in," Cleary said.

Source: AAP