6 Oct 2012

Blair in after Smith ruled out

7:15 am on 6 October 2012

Adam Blair has been recalled to the Kiwis rugby league squad for next Saturday's Test against the Kangaroos in Townsville, following the late injury withdrawal of fellow forward Jeremy Smith.

Smith injured his shoulder in the Cronulla Sharks' last game of the NRL season.

A thorough medical recently with his new club, the Newcastle Knights, suggests further examination of the shoulder is needed.

Blair, from the Wests Tigers, has played 25 Tests and is the third most-capped player in the Kiwis squad, behind Simon Mannering and Benji Marshall.

The Kiwis assemble in Cairns, with a first training on Monday morning at Stan Williams Park.