South Sydney forward Eddy Pettybourne has chosen New Zealand over New South Wales, Australia and Samoa and has been drafted into the Kiwis' Four Nations squad.

New Zealand Rugby league management said on Sunday Pettybourne would be flown to France after a calf injury suffered in the 20-20 draw with Australia in London endangered the campaign of backrower Bronson Harrison.

The giant Rabbitoh has vacillated all year over his representative availability. Raised in western Sydney, he has played for the Australian Schoolboys and the Junior Kiwis.

The 103kg Pettybourne moved from Christchurch to Sydney at the age of three, playing his junior football with Mascot Jets. He qualifies for Samoa via his parents.

But New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney revealed the NZRL had quietly secured Pettybourne's services before the tournament and registered him as their 24th player before taking 23 to Europe.

"We need Eddy here to give us cover in the back row," Kearney said in a statement.

"Greg (Eastwood) missed the match against Australia with a hamstring injury but we're expecting he will be ready to play against France.

"Now Bronson has this calf injury and is a doubtful starter for our game in Toulouse."

Team doctor Simon Mayhew had suggested that Harrison's involvement in the entire tournament was in doubt but it appears the Canberra star is staying on for now.

Halfback Thomas Leuluai, meanwhile, had no complaints after being targeted by the Aussies and sidelined for much of the Stoop opener with concussion.

He expects to be available to take on the French this Saturday at State Ernest Wallon.

"I was a little bit dizzy there near the end," he told NZPA. "I don't even know what happened, I'll have to watch it again.

"That's Test match footy. That's how it is. We were doing the same to them. I think we like it like that! We're not scared of that, we're not complaining."

The Kiwis held a recovery session in London on Sunday morning before flying for Toulouse, where they will be based for a week.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP