Kiwis turn to rookies
INJURIES to two NRL grand final stars have further weakened New Zealand’s squad for the Test against Australia in Auckland on Saturday week.
Forwards Nelson AsofaSolomona (Storm) and Zane Tetevano (Roosters) have been omitted due to injury from a 23-man Kiwis squad which includes five debutants.
Rooster Joseph Manu, Storm pair Jahrome Hughes and Brandon Smith, Panther Corey Harawira-Naera and Warrior Isaiah Papali’i were blooded by Kiwis coach Michael Maguire.
Dally M medal winner Roger Tuivasa-Sheck copped a knee injury in the Warriors’ finals loss to Penrith.
“We’re without Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Issac Luke, Tohu Harris and Nelson Asofa-Solomona, while a number of players have aligned themselves with Tonga,’’ Maguire said.