Five rookies have been named in the Kiwis rugby league squad to take on Australia in Perth next week and the subsequent Four Nations tournament.
Warriors centre Solomone Kata is one of five rookies in the Kiwis squad. Photo: Photosport
In his first selection as head coach, David Kidwell has named Warriors backs David Fusitu'a and Solomone Kata, Penrith five-eighth Te Maire Martin, Canberra second row Joseph Tapine and in-form Raiders team-mate Jordan Rapana.
If selected to play on tour, one of them will become Kiwi No.800.
"All of these players have shown exciting form during the NRL season and have certainly earned their selection on merit," Kidwell said.
"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. 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."
Kidwell has also opted to retain Melbourne Storm prop Jesse Bromwich as his captain, despite regular skipper Simon Mannering returning to the side.
Bromwich will continue the role he filled against Australia at Newcastle in May.
"Jesse did a great job leading the team earlier this year in Simon's absence and, at this stage of his career, I think Simon is just as happy not having the weight of captaincy on him," said Kidwell.
"Ultimately, they will both be part of a strong leadership group that set a strong culture for this team."
Kiwis regulars unavailable for the up-coming campaign include Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Peta Hiku, Dean Whare, Kieran Foran, Ben Matulino, Alex Glenn and Kodi Nikorima.
The Kiwis squad will assemble in Perth over next weekend for the test against Australia on October 15.
They open their Four Nations account against hosts England on Sunday, October 30 (NZ time) at Huddersfield, followed by Australia (November 6) and Scotland (November 12).
The 24-man NZ Kiwis squad is:
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
-RNZ
