Five debutants have been named in the New Zealand rugby league squad for the World Cup which kicks off later this month.
The five newcomers are Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Addin Fonua-Blake, Danny Levi, Isaac Liu and Brad Takairangi.
There are also three members of the Kiwis side which won the 2008 tournament in captain Adam Blair along with Thomas Leuluai and Simon Mannering.
Three players who featured in the recent NRL Grand Final have been selected with Kenny Bromwich and Nelson Asofa-Solomona who were a part of the victorious Melbourne Storm.
The Melbourne Storm's Nelson Asofa-Solomona is among five debutants in the Kiwis squad. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2017 www.photosport.nz
Dally M Winger of the Year Jordan Rapana has also been named alongside Shaun Johnson, Te Maire Martin, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Jason Nightingale, Kodi Nikorima, Peta Hiku, Gerard Beale, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Dean Whare.
"There's a great mix of enthusiasm and experience in this side and a real desire to win this World Cup, I can't wait to show the people around New Zealand all the work we have been doing and how committed we are to this campaign," said coach David Kidwell.
Adam Blair on the charge for the Kiwis against Australia. Photo: Photosport
Players not considered due to injury include Tohu Harris, Jordan Kahu, Kieran Foran and Ben Matulino.
A notable ommission is Jason Taumalolo, who is regarded by many at the best rugby league forward in the world and who played a large part in guiding the North Queensland to the NRL grand final.
Taumololo has opted to play for Tonga rather than the Kiwis at the tournament.
