New Zealand have put faith in youth to continue their recent domination of international rugby league with coach Stephen Kearney unveiling a powerful squad for their Four Nations title defence.
Warriors rookie sensation Shaun Johnson and teammate Kevin Locke - who were instrumental in their side's run to the NRL grand final - were both included in the new look 23-man squad which includes six uncapped players.
Brisbane duo Gerard Beale and Alex Glenn, Melbourne's Kevin Proctor and Warriors prop Russell Packer are the others yet to have tasted Test football.
Kearney says they've had a number of players who couldn't be considered due to injury, but is still pleased with what he
believes is a strong group of players.
He says it's a benefit that so many of the squad played deep into the NRL finals - nine played in Sunday's grand final.
New Zealand, who upset Australia in last year's Four Nations final, open the defence of their crown against the Kangaroos in Warrington on October 28, but will first take on the Aussies at Ausgrid Stadium on October 16.
