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Coach Stephen Kearney has named six newcomers in a raw New Zealand squad to face Australia in Friday’s rugby league Test, with Sydney Roosters star Jared Waerea-Hargreaves among those dumped.
Only five players – captain Simon Mannering, winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, centre Dean Whare, halfback Shaun Johnson, and prop Jesse Bromwich – return from the side that lost heavily to the Kangaroos in last year’s World Cup final.
Manly fullback Peta Hiku, Penrith five-eighth Isaac John and Warriors utility Ben Henry and hooker Siliva Havili, and props Martin Taupau (Wests Tigers) and Kenny Bromwich (Melbourne) are all in line to make their Test debuts at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
John could be in line to fill the key five-eighth role in place of injured Kieran Foran despite playing in reserve grade for Penrith.
Bromwich joins older brother Jesse in the 18-man squad, the first set of siblings to suit up together since Henry and Robbie Paul in 2001.
Notable omissions are four players from NRL premiers Sydney Roosters – superstar Sonny Bill Williams, who was not considered as he’s going back to rugby union next year, prop Waerea-Hargreaves, Frank-Paul Nu’uausala and centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall as well as giant Warriors winger Manu Vatuvei.
Tohu Harris, the player forced out of the Kiwis at the World Cup after Williams’ late change of heart to make himself available, returns to the New Zealand squad.
“We’re still very excited by the talent we have available,” said Kearney in a statement.
“Many of these guys have progressed through Junior Kiwis, and into full professional and now international careers.
“There are also some old faces returning and we think this mix will bring a really positive energy to the group.
“This team is an Anzac story in itself – a band of young men thrown together to do whatever it takes to perform for 80 minutes on Friday night.
“We can’t wait.”
Kiwis squad: Gerard Beale (St George-Illawarra), Adam Blair (Wests Tigers), Jesse Bromwich (Melbourne), Kenny Bromwich (Melbourne), Greg Eastwood (Bulldogs), Tohu Harris (Melbourne), Siliva Havili (Warriors), Ben Henry (Warriors), Peta Hiku (Manly), Isaac John (Penrith), Shaun Johnson (Warriors), Simon Mannering (Warriors), Sam Moa (Sydney Roosters), Jason Nightingale (St George-Illawarra), Kevin Proctor (Melbourne), Martin Taupau (Wests Tigers), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Sydney Roosters), Dean Whare (Penrith)
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