Chan called up by Kiwis

New Zealand have added Melbourne Storm prop Alex Chan to their squad for the English leg of the Gillette Tri-Nations series.

Chan replaces Penrith forward Tony Puletua, who will undergo ankle surgery after tomorrow’s opening clash with Australia in Auckland.

Puletua and fellow Penrith Panther Joe Galuvao are both set to miss the trip to England after being ordered by their club to have surgery.

The Kiwis had agreed that Galuvao needed an ankle operation but argued that Puletua’s injury could be managed through the Series and that surgery could be delayed until his return.

The Panthers refused to back down, much to the disgust of New Zealand Rugby League chairman Selwyn Pearson who then placed Chan on stand-by.

A delighted Chan told www.NRL.com: “I’m elated, I’ve only ever dreamt about playing for my country so for it to become a reality is an honour and a privilege.

“I’ve measured myself against Aussies all my career so to finally have the chance to represent New Zealand and to come up against them and the English is really great.”