Long and Newton forget the aggro

Criticised: Great Britain coach Noble
14 April 2012

Sean Long and Terry Newton claim they are "best mates again" 14 months after an explosive incident in a Super League game prematurely ended their season.

St Helens scrum half Long missed last year's play-offs and the Gillette Tri-nations Tournament nursing a fractured cheekbone and eye socket.

Read more:

• Our preparation is perfect, says captain Peacock

•Noble goes for the element of surprise • Long is the big threat to us, warns Kiwi coach

The injuries were inflicted by Newton in a few moments of madness and the Wigan hooker's penance was a seven-month ban despite his protestations that it was a tackle that went wrong.

When Newton resumed his career in April, he had moved to Bradford as Long waited for an apology.

He is still waiting even though they have been reunited in Great Britain's squad for the 2006 Tri-Nations Tournament.

But it will be the last thing on their minds in the Jade Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday night as the Lions, on their first tour for 14 years, take on New Zealand in their opening game of the tournament.

"We're best mates again," said Long. "We grew up together in Wigan and what happened last year is behind us. We just want to do our best for Great Britain."

Long, 30, has enjoyed a successful season for St Helens while Newton's form since his move made him an obvious choice to be Great Britain's No 9.

"There was no need for an apology," said Newton. "What happens on the field stays on the field although obviously I regret that Sean was injured.

"I've made it up with him, we are playing for the same team and singing from the same hymn sheet.

"In fact, I rate Longy as the key man. He is probably one of the best players in the world. He'll guide us round the pitch on Saturday."

Newton, 27, has a reputation for a brittle temperament and admitted: "I've missed out on a lot of internationals because of either injuries or suspension.

"But this is my big chance. I will always be aggressive but I've changed my tackling technique."

Great Britain coach Brian Noble is facing criticism for not arriving in Christchurch before Thursday to flag up a Test which has hardly caught the imagination of locals.

Noble said: "To have any chance of success we made the decision to base ourselves in Sydney. We're not being disrespectful to the people or the country. But we are determined to give ourselves the best chance possible.

"We have to hit the ground running. New Zealand have lost their first two matches so it's win or bust for them as it is for us."

PROBABLE TEAMS

New Zealand: Webb; Tupou, Vagana, Soliola, Vatuvei; Ropati, Jones; Wiki (capt), Fien, Asatosi, Kidwell, Pritchard, Mannering. Subs: Tony, N Cayless, J Cayless, D Fa'alogo. Great Britain: Wellens; Carney, Gleeson, Senior, Pryce; McGuire, Long ; Fielden, Newton, Morley, Peacock (capt), Ellis, O'Loughlin. Subs: Roby, Carvell, Hock, Wilkin.

Referee: Paul Simpkins (Australia).

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