New Zealand have named four international rookies in their team to face Leeds Rhinos this weekend ahead of the upcoming Test series against England.
Tuimoala Lolohea will partner Peta Hiku in the halves, with Shaun Johnson missing the series through injury and Benji Marshall left out of the squad.
Along with Lolohea, the Kiwis have included fellow uncapped players Jordan Kahu, Kodi Nikorima and Sio Siua Taukeiaho in the 20-man side.
"This will be an opportunity for those two halves to build combinations with the group around them," New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney said.
"We also have guys that haven't played since the last round of the NRL, so this is a chance for them to blow out some cobwebs."
New Zealand team to face Leeds Rhinos on 8pm Friday (8am Saturday NZ time):
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2. Jason Nightigale, 3. Jordan Kahu, 4. Dean Whare, 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 6. Peta Hiku, 7. Tuimoala Lolohea, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Isaac Luke, 10. Ben Matulino, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. Tohu Harris, 13. Martin Taupau, 14. Kodi Nikorima, 15. Adam Blair, 16. Sam Moa, 17. Sio Siua Taukeiaho, 18. Alex Glenn, 19. Gerard Beale, 20. Lewis Brown.
This article first appeared on NRL.com.
