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New Zealand prop Adam Blair is hoping for the chance to redeem himself at Wembley.
The Melbourne Storm favourite was forced to sit out the 26-12 Gillette Four Nations defeat by Australia at Warrington on Friday as he completed his five-match ban for his part in a brawl in an NRL game.
The 25-year-old is now set to return against Wales in the first match of Saturday’s double-header at Wembley - with England also taking on Australia.
“Obviously it’s been tough,” Blair said. "But it’s all done now and I can look forward to the weeks that are coming.
"There was a chance that I could have missed out on the tour. Obviously the coaches have showed me a bit of faith and hopefully I’ll repay them straight up this week.
“I’ve been doing all the hard work and I’m hoping for a chance.”
Coach Stephen Kearney will also be able to call on New Zealand Warriors front-rower Russell Packer after he completed a one-match ban imposed for a high tackle on Australia captain Darren Lockyer on his Test debut in the 42-4 defeat in Newcastle.
“It’s helpful having everyone available for selection,” said Kearney.
"But, no matter who plays this week, a priority against Wales will be trying to find a way to start our games better.
“We need to learn from what happened against the Australians last Friday night and also in Newcastle when we weren’t able to start the way we wanted.”
The Kiwis arrived in London on Sunday to prepare for the game against the Welsh, who will be an unknown quantity for Blair and company.
“I know nothing at all,” said Blair. "But it’s a massive focus for us this week, we’ve got to get over Friday’s game.
“We had a chance where we could have put a few more points on and made the game more interesting, but credit to the Aussie boys, you give them a little chance and they can put something on you just like that.”
The Kiwis have been given two days off before resuming training at Wasps on Wednesday but Blair admits the players are starting to get excited over the prospect of playing at Wembley.
“I’ve been hearing about the Wembley Stadium and the atmosphere,” he said. “It will be good to play there. It’s a massive icon and great to be part of that.”
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Redemption for what? Retaliating after being attacked by Glen Stewart. As far as I’m concerned he was a victim, doesn’t owe anyone anything, let alone have to ‘redeem’ himself
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Rip and tear Blair- love it!
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Yep cunno
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looking forward to Adam wearing the Tigers colours stay injury free!!!
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I’d be happy to see him play where he’s most comfortable, but I also wouldn’t mind if the club taught him some new positional tricks. After all, I don’t think anyone would actually be scared by the Blair Switch Project.
I’m really, really sorry.
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I’d be happy to see him play where he’s most comfortable, but I also wouldn’t mind if the club taught him some new positional tricks. After all, I don’t think anyone would actually be scared by the Blair Switch Project.
I’m really, really sorry.
You should be That was really really bad :roll
Next thing you’ll have Blair fanatics at Leichardt and Cambelltown wearing witch’s outfits and abducting opposition fans for them never to be seen again
