New Zealand are sweating on the fitness of Dallin Watene-Zelezniak after the teenage winger was one of three rookies named in the Kiwi squad for Saturday night’s Four Nations opener against Australia in Brisbane.
North Queensland Cowboys forward Jason Taumalolo is set to make his Test debut at lock while Penrith flyer Watene-Zelezniak will start on the wing – fitness permitting.
Coach Stephen Kearney said Watene-Zelezniak’s inclusion was subject to a fitness test on a foot injury picked up this week at training.
New Zealand Warriors powerhouse prop Suaia Matagi will also debut if he forces his way into the team from 18th man.
Kearney has re-united Kieran Foran and Shaun Johnson in the halves, with veteran utility Thomas Leuluai starting at hooker.
Taumalolo finally gets his chance to take the field for the Kiwis, after filling a non-playing role in the 2012 Anzac Test.
Utility Lewis Brown returns to the side, coming off the bench, after a three-year absence.
New Zealand: Peta Hiku, Jason Nightingale, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Dean Whare, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Kieran Foran, Shaun Johnson, Jesse Bromwich, Thomas Leuluai, Adam Blair, Simon Mannering (capt), Kevin Proctor, Jason Taumalolo. Interchange: Lewis Brown, Greg Eastwood, Martin Taupau, Tohu Harris, Suaia Matagi (one to be omitted).
The Barry
Roar Guru
All of a sudden that's a very good looking team. Big pack, brilliant halves and a very skillful backline. This will be a great series.
maximillian
Guest
Thats a fairly good side. I believe DWZ is out but I wouldve picked Vatuvei on the left anyway. He scored 17 tries this year & was voted Warriors player of the year by his peers. The Kangaroos look mobile but light so another big man in Manu to bend the line with early hitups is good for the Kiwis. Im really looking forward to this tournament as the sides are fairly even IMO.