New Zealand prop Joe Tapine failed to finish training with a knee complaint as the Kiwis stepped up preparations for their Rugby League World Cup opener with Lebanon.
Tapine received attention from the Kiwis medical team on Thursday after pulling up during an intense drill in the build-up to their tournament opener against Lebanon in Warrington on Sunday (Monday AEDT).
Coach Michael Maguire insisted, however, that the injury was nothing to worry about and the depths of New Zealand's talent means they will have no issue covering if they take a cautious approach with the Canberra prop.
Despite the question marks over Tapine, Maguire cut a relaxed figure as the Kiwis were put through their paces at top North Yorkshire private school Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate.
"I still haven't seen him smile yet - did someone take a photo of it?" joked halfback Jahrome Hughes.
"He has got us really prepared and he's holding us to high standards and that's going to make us better as a team."
Maguire, who was sacked by the Wests Tigers midway through this year, will have reason to smile in six weeks time if New Zealand fulfil their immense potential and win only their second World Cup, and their first since 2008.
Maguire has slowly set about regenerating the Kiwis in the aftermath of the 2017 tournament when they were beaten by Tonga in the group stages and got knocked out in the quarter-finals by Fiji.
Now he has arguably the tournament's strongest forward pack at his disposal and a spine comprising Brandon Smith, Hughes, Dylan Brown and fullback Joey Manu that has the Kiwis dreaming of taking home the trophy.
"This core group has been together for a while," Hughes said.
"We have some really talented players in our team but that's not going to get you over the line.
"For us to take the World Cup back home to New Zealand would be great for our country and the people of our country."
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will miss the Lebanon and Jamaica games with suspension but will be cleared for their final group game with Ireland.
The Kiwis are likely to partner Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Peta Hiku in the centres as Manu returns to the No. 1 spot that he covets.
"I love playing in the fullback position," Manu said.
"You're always on the ball and fullback is a lot different (to centre), it's a challenge for myself.
"I think off the back of this forward pack and the whole team I can really thrive."
