22 Jun 2018

Rugby League: Kiwis pick rookies for England test

12:06 pm on 22 June 2018

The Kiwis have named seven debutants in their squad as new coach Michael Maguire opts for youth for this weekend's the one off rugby league test against England in Denver.

The match is coach Michael Maguire's first in charge of the Kiwis and he's named three new faces in the backline, one in the starting pack and three on the interchange.

Warriors winger Ken Maumalo teams up on the left edge with experienced club-mate Peta Hiku while Esan Marsters (Wests Tigers) and Jamayne Isaako (Brisbane Broncos) paired on the right edge.

Winger Ken Maumalo is one of seven Kiwis debutants.

Winger Ken Maumalo is one of seven Kiwis debutants. Photo: Photosport

Greymouth-raised hooker Slade Griffin (Newcastle Knights), props Leeson Ah Mau (St George Illawarra) and Herman Ese'ese (Newcastle Knights) plus back rower James Fisher-Harris (Penrith Panthers) make up the bench.

Maguire has named Jared Waerea Hargreaves (Sydney Roosters) and Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Melbourne Storm) as his starting props with Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles middle forward Marty Taupau starting at loose forward.

Ah Mau, Maumalo, Ese'ese and Faitala-Mariner have all previously played at Test level for Toa Samoa while Marsters has represented Cook Islands.

-RNZ