Jackson to captain Hull in Boulevard farewell against Kiwis

Lee Jackson, discarded by Hull for next season, has been given the honour of captaining the side in their last game at The Boulevard tonight.

More than a century of rugby at the famous old stadium will come to an end after the match against New Zealand, for which a genuine local hero will lead them out.

The Hull coach, Shaun McRae, said: "He made his debut here at 16 and he's tickled pink at being a part of 107 years of history. He was certainly a lot happier than when I told him there was no contract for him. It's not easy releasing players, but those decisions are part of my job."

Jackson will lead a strong side, including the usual captain, Jason Smith. "They're all very privileged to be involved in a very emotional occasion," McRae said. "In a sense, they are representing all the Hull players who have played here."

Richard Horne will start at stand-off, but is likely to play some part of the game at full-back, the position in which Great Britain could well need him in the Test series against the Kiwis after Paul Wellens' cheekbone injury during St Helens' Super League Grand Final victory.

"I think he has a great chance of playing full-back in the Tests, although others are mentioning the likes of Stuart Spruce and Gary Connolly," McRae said. I asked David Waite [the Great Britain coach] whether he wanted him to play full-back in this game, but he said we should play him where we needed him, because he knows his capabilities."

The Kiwis are not to replace the former Hull player, Tevita Vaikona, who is out of the tour after damaging an Achilles tendon in the Grand Final. Their coach, Gary Freeman, has the New Zealand Warriors' Wairangi Koopu on stand-by in Auckland, but hopes not to have to send for him.

New Zealand will feature the former Hull man Michael Smith, who spent a generally unproductive time there before moving to York and later resurrecting his Super League career with Castleford. Smith, one of the four substitutes, is in line to make his first appearance for his country, along with Jason Cayless, who starts at prop.

Another substitute, the Test hooker, Richard Swain, is still a target for Hull for 2004 – as Jackson's long-term replacement. "He has signed for Brisbane for next season, but I am keeping in touch with his manager and we would certainly be interested in him if he was available after that," McRae said.

The Kiwi captain, Stacey Jones, is rested and their outstanding second-rower Ali Lauiti'iti is serving a one-match ban. Motu Tony replaces Jones at scrum-half and Ruben Wiki will captain the side from the second row.

Martin Moana, who played for the New Zealand Maori in the 2000 World Cup, has rejoined Halifax from Wakefield Trinity.

No action will be taken against the Bradford coach, Brian Noble, nor any of his players, over their angry reaction after their Grand Final defeat.