Vainikolo also missed last year's Tri-Nations tournament

Kiwis coach Brian McClennan is upset with the handling of the matter and says the winger, 26, should have been examined by one of the team's doctors.

But Noble, who is also Great Britain coach, is unrepentant, saying Vainikolo needed surgery on a damaged knee.

"He's been carrying the injury for a few weeks and it was important to get it rectified," said Noble.

Noble added: "It's a club issue at Bradford and the fact is we lost him for too many weeks last year because he didn't have the right procedures in the off season.

Les probably does need surgery but, if we were able to look at it, it would remove any assumptions of unfair play on Bradford's part Brian McClennan

"Anybody who knows me realises I push people to play international football, whether they're Australians, New Zealanders or Brits.

"It's as simple as that. If there was any possibility we could have allowed Lesley to play, he would have played."

McClennan added: "Les probably does need surgery but, if we were able to look at it, it would remove any assumptions of unfair play on Bradford's part.

Have Your Say on Five Live Who should replace Vainikolo?

"All we want is better communication and a chance to assess players' injuries."

Vainikolo, who scored 34 tries for the Bulls this year, was also prevented from playing against Britain in last year's tournament because the club had booked him in for surgery.