Noble speaks up for Long

Great Britain coach Brian Noble has stuck by embattled half-back Sean Long, insisting his departure has nothing to do with any indiscretions.

Long left Sydney to head back to England on Monday, after failing to join a training session at Manly Beach earlier in the day. But Noble said that the player's departure was not for disciplinary reasons, adding Long's behaviour on the Tri-Nations tour has been exemplary.

"He's gone home for personal reasons," Noble said. "No discipline problems, no gambling problems, no football issues."

He added: "It would be silly to say he hadn't had a drink but this group have been exemplary tourists and there have been no issues in respect of alcohol and no issues in respects of behaviour.

"What was a minor issue on the plane sometimes in these situations gets blown out of all proportions. No complaints from the airlines and no complaints from anybody."

The coach confirmed Long asked to return home to be with his heavily-pregnant partner.

Noble is also adamant Long's much-publicised departure from the squad will not affect Great Britain's preparations for Saturday's must-win match against the Kangaroos in Brisbane.

"I'm looking forward to us getting back on the horse and riding it as hard as we can," he said.

"I'm looking for the 17 most enthusiastic people to do that. They are in the mood to do well on the weekend."