The Australian Rugby League has hit back at New Zealand's claims it is "disrespectful" and "narrow-minded" for not being in Brisbane earlier to promote Friday night's Test.

And as the war of words between the camps escalated, ARL chairman Colin Love fired back at suggestions fullback Karmichael Hunt was fast-tracked into a Kangaroos jersey to prevent the Kiwis from snaring him down the track.

"What about the five Australian-born players in their team?" asked Love.

The Kangaroos have been in camp in Sydney since Sunday and won't arrive in Brisbane until Wednesday afternoon, prompting usually reserved Kiwi coach Brian McClennan to accuse the Kangaroos of shirking their promotional responsibilities.

"I find that normal," McClennan said from his team's camp on the Gold Coast.

"I think it's disrespectful, they should be up here.

"It's pretty narrow minded. We've come over from New Zealand, we're up here doing our bit to promote rugby league.

"We're doing the right thing and I disagree with what they're doing. It's not just about NSW - they should be promoting rugby league in Queensland."

But ARL chief executive Geoff Carr was having none of it.

"Are they on the Gold Coast or are they in Brisbane - they may as well be in Perth," Carr fired back.

"You're either in Brisbane or you're not.

"They're not in Brisbane and nor are we."

Carr admitted that, ideally, the Kangaroos would have arrived in Brisbane a day earlier but said logistical issues prevented them from doing so.

"The team has done a lot of stuff with the press down here (in Sydney)," Carr said.

"Although what the Australian team has done hasn't been textbook ideal, it's working quite well and we'll be there in Brisbane in plenty of time to continue the party.

"The team will fulfil their responsibilities up there like it is doing down there.

"There has been a lot of interest in the match and ticket sales have been terrific."

The controversial selection of Hunt for the injured Anthony Minichiello was again a talking point on Tuesday.

Hunt is one of three members of the current Kangaroos team born overseas, along with Willie Mason (New Zealand) and Petero Civoniceva (Fiji).

But Love responded to jibes about Hunt's heritage by pointing out that five current New Zealand squad members - Brent Webb, Jake Webster, Nathan and Jason Cayless and Frank Pritchard - were born in Australia.

"They should be more worried about their own backyard," Love said.

"It's a bit rich for them to be blowing up about Karmichael."

Playmaker Johnathan Thurston, whose father is a Kiwi, has revealed he had also been approached by New Zealand officials last year, but turned down the offer.

The Kiwis have named Wests Tigers playmaker Benji Marshall in their starting side despite concerns from the premiers' medical staff he risks reinjuring his shoulder if he played for more than 40-60 minutes.

Marshall will have his fitness assessed on Wednesday by Tigers physiotherapist Andrew Leeds in consultation with the New Zealand team doctor.

"I've talked to the coach and he's assured me of several things," Tigers coach Tim Sheens said.

And in other Test match news, Manly front rower Brent Kite has been added to the Kangaroos squad after coach Ricky Stuart requested an 18th man to join the team in Brisbane.

Elsewhere, Cronulla said it was still investigating an alcohol-fuelled incident involving several players at the Ship Inn in Sydney.

Sharks officials believe they know the identity of the main culprit, but will not announce sanctions until confirming his identity with a member of the pub's staff on Thursday.

Nobody stepped up to take responsibility for the incident at a meeting between officials and players, with several claiming they were too drunk to recall their actions.

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