Young Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson has made the final 19 for a New Zealand debut in Friday’s rugby league Test against Australia.
Johnson has been selected for the Eden Park match following injury concerns with Manly playmaker Kieran Foran.
The 21-year-old has created a big impression since his NRL debut last year but wasn’t sure he would be in the Kiwis team this soon.
“You’ve got to aim high, and I don’t think it gets any higher than playing for your country,” Johnson said.
He played a big part in the Warriors’ 44-22 win over South Sydney on Sunday and hoped he could translate that form to Test level.
“Hopefully not too much has to change. I’ll be playing against players I play against week in, week out. I’ll keep it as simple as possible.”
Brisbane fullback Josh Hoffman, North Queensland second-rower Jason Taumalolo and Melbourne prop Jess Bromwich have also been included.
The selectors have yet to name a starting line-up.
Frank Pritchard was included after reaffirming his allegiance after a brief flirtation with Samoa.
New Zealand: Gerard Beale (Brisbane), Adam Blair (Wests Tigers), Jess Bromwich (Melbourne), Nathan Fien (St George-Illawarra), Alex Glenn (Brisbane), Josh Hoffman (Brisbane), Shaun Johnson (Warriors), Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Sydney Roosters), Issac Luke (South Sydney), Simon Mannering (Warriors), Benji Marshall (Wests Tigers, capt), Ben Matulino (Warriors), Sam McKendry (Penrith), Jason Nightingale (St George-Illawarra), Frank Pritchard (Canterbury), Jeremy Smith (Cronulla), Jason Taumalolo (North Queensland), Manu Vatuvei (Warriors), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Sydney Roosters).
MFB1991
Guest
Thats a pretty good team the Kiwis have named. Tough forwards and a couple of game breakers in Marshall and Johnson. We must really be struggling though to name a Kiwi in the front row after he couldn't make the NZ side, bloody disgrace really. Now if the the Poms can get all their Aussie based forwards fiit and firing and find a couple of decent halves to complement Tomkins at the back we could have some international footy at the end of the year that gets somewhere near the intensity of origin !
Sylvester
Guest
It will only stop if non-Australians are available for Origin. Probably won't happen, but is there any real harm?
Lippy
Guest
About time Jim.Doyle and co got the NZ Origin concept off the ground. I believe it.will be a one off match first with the long term goal to have a three match series ala State of Origin. As it stands Australia has a huge advantage over their genuine rivals NZ and England. Test match footy should be the pinnacle not Origin. Im excited to see how many players will opt to play NZ Origin opposed to SOO. Under the current facial eligibility rules i wouldn't be surprised to see Tamaou do a complete U turn and declare himself available for the Kiwis so he can play NZO.
kiwidave
Guest
Haven't heard of it, but I'd pay to see it.
west
Guest
OH YEA, good old ANZAC test should be brutal as usual. cant wait KIWIS by 10 points. Tamou will have to watch out the kiwi will be making sure he knows what a wise decision he's made. Good luck James
oikee
Guest
I read today that NZ will be starting their own Origin game. Auckland verse the rest. This is good, it will encorage all the other players to put their hand up for NZ origin, and hopefully we will eventually have a NZ V Australia Origin playoff in the future.
Go warriors
Guest
The problem with the eligibility laws or lack of them in most cases is that is killing international RL. NZ and Australia will always be strong as they have an abundace of depth. It is the Pacific Island nations that gets screwed though. With the amount of Pacific Island players playing the game now we should now give the likes of Samoa, Tonga, Fiji etc more test matches and encourage players with Pacific Island heritage to play for these countries. RL needs more competive nations for the sport to grow.
Blazza
Guest
Ah yes.. sorry brain fade.
Damien
Guest
Cmon Blazza Sam Kasiano, James Taumalolo, James Tamou. These are guys who were born and raised in NZ. They are Kiwi through and through yet are pressured to turn their back on their countries so they can play state of origin and then for Australia. How many times has Kieran Foram being asked to play state of origin. Both countries are guilty of it. Unfortunetly I dont know how the eligibility laws can ever be fixed though.
Blazza
Guest
Like who ??????
Go warriors
Guest
Sam it works both ways. What about James Tamou being selected for Australia. If the Kangaroos had their way there would be a lot more kiwis playing for them. The eligibility rules are a complete farce but I dont know how it can ever be fixed. Anyway should be a great test, the Kiwis have a strong line up and are playing at home. Go the Kiwis.
Sam
Guest
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Sam
Guest
Ah, the good old kiwis with their Australian/New Zealand side. What a joke, I can't wait to watch the proud kiwis Gerard Beale, Josh Hoffman, Nathan Friend, Jason Nightingale run around. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.