Matai to miss England tour
New Zealand centre Steve Matai will miss the forthcoming Test series against Great Britain due to shoulder surgery.
The Manly three-quarter will play against Australia in Wellington on October 14 before an operation to repair a cartilage tear and cyst on his right shoulder.
The recovery period is estimated between three and six months but Matai hopes to be fit for the start of the 2008 NRL season.
“Our club has a policy of making players available for international football at every opportunity,” Sea Eagles CEO Grant Mayer said.
“However, our medical advice is that he needs an operation to ensure he is ready to play in the 2008 season.”
Matai is disappointed to miss out the tour but felt he had to put club ahead of country on this occasion.
“I love representing New Zealand but if I go on this tour then I won’t have enough time to get the surgery done and be right for the start of the 2008 season,” he explained.
“I’ve got to my body first and think of the long term.”
