Kiwis centre Steve Matai has been ruled out of the rugby league World Cup final against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday because of injury.

Matai aggravated a neck problem in the first half of the Kiwis' pool match against England in Newcastle and missed the semi-final over the same opponents in Brisbane on Saturday.

Kiwis doctor Simon Mayhew has confirmed MATAI's neck injury will keep him out of Saturday's final.

Matai was set to have surgery after the World Cup, having carried shoulder and neck injuries through the Sea Eagles' run to the NRL title.

AAP
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