1/05/2008 1:02:57 PM

John Clark

Sportal

New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney has defended his decision to stack the Kiwi side with four players from the hapless South Sydney as the build-up to next Friday's Centenary Test intensifies.

Rabbitohs David Fa'alogo, David Kidwell and Issac Luke will front for their national team to be captained by club team-mate Roy Asotasi, despite the Bunnies sitting winless at the foot of the table.

Kearney, speaking to the media in Melbourne after putting the Storm through their paces on Thursday morning, said he had no hesitation naming the under-fire Asotasi as skipper for the battle with Australia.

"I think he is the best man for the job," Kearney said.

"He's very fortunate that he has Nathan Cayless, David Kidwell will be in camp, he's got some fairly handy leaders around him."

"From my point of view Roy was always going to be captain."

Kearney, in charge of the Kiwis for the first time, said he had full faith in Asotasi and the rest of the Bunnies' boys to get the job done against the Kangaroos.

"I certainly know what Roy can do. I am thinking if Roy wasn't part of the Souths side then things would probably be a lot darker there," Kearney said.

"He does a lot of work for them and David Fa'alogo you can put in that boat, too."

"I know what those players can do and I am more than happy to have them in my side."

The coach, meanwhile, is planning to have UK-based pair James Leuluai and Brent Webb at his disposal for the one-off Test.

Webb, in particular, is fighting resistance from stubborn Leeds bosses who are demanding he put club before country.

"As far as I am concerned they are going to be turning up on Monday night," a defiant Kearney said.

"That's when the plane arrives. Until I hear different, that's what is happening."

"There always is (an issue with clubs at) this time of year. I have stepped out of that, I have left that up to our general manager at New Zealand Rugby League and the ARL have got involved also."

"I have named them in the squad and I expect them to be there on Monday night."