New Zealand call-up five uncapped players for upcoming Four Nations
Tuesday 4 October 2016 00:25, UK
Jesse Bromwich will captain a New Zealand squad containing five uncapped players in the upcoming Four Nations.
Rookies David Fusitu'a, Solomone Kata, Te Maire Martin, Joseph Tapine and Jordan Rapana have all been named in David Kidwell's first squad since replacing Stephen Kearney as head coach.
"All of these players have shown exciting form during the NRL season and have certainly earned their selection on merit," said Kidwell.
"But we're always looking one step ahead, whether that's to next year's World Cup or beyond, and we also think all these players can play a big part in keeping the Kiwis on top for many years to come.
"In picking this team, we've tried to achieve a balance between players who are proven at test level and those that are the future of the Kiwis programme."
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The 24-man party includes Thomas Leuluai, who has re-signed for Wigan, and former Leeds back-rower Greg Eastwood but Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Peta Hiku, Dean Whare, Kieran Foran, Ben Matulino, Alex Glenn and Kodi Nikorima are all unavailable.
"Injuries play an unfortunate part in our game and some of these newcomers will get an immediate opportunity to show they're ready for the next level," added Kidwell.
The 2014 winners will take on Australia in Perth next week before kicking off their Four Nations campaign against England at Huddersfield's John Smith's Stadium on October 29.
New Zealand's squad:
Gerard Beale, Adam Blair, Jesse Bromwich, Lewis Brown, Greg Eastwood, David Fusitu'a, Tohu Harris, Shaun Johnson, Jordan Kahu, Solomone Kata, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Thomas Leuluai, Issac Luke, Simon Mannering, Te Maire Martin, Manu Ma'u, Jason Nightingale, Kevin Proctor, Jordan Rapana, Joseph Tapine, Jason Taumalolo, Martin Taupau, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
