Maguire adds more newcomers to Kiwis mix
AUCKLAND: Seven experienced players make their return and five will make their international debuts in the New Zealand Kiwis’ fourtest endofseason campaign against Australia and England.
The Kiwis begin their programme against the Kangaroos at Mount Smart Stadium on October 13, followed by three tests against England at KC Stadium, Hull (October 27), Anfield, Liverpool (November 4) and Elland Road, Leeds (November 10).
After missing the oneoff inter national against England in Denver in June, the Warriors trio of Adam Blair, Shaun Johnson and Gerard Beale return, as Jesse Bromwich and Kenny Bromwich (Melbourne), Kevin Proctor (Gold Coast) and Jordan Rapana (Canberra).
Head coach Michael Maguire underlined the Kiwis’ new direction with the introduction of five more newcomers: Sydney Roosters centre Joseph Manu, who hails from Tokoroa; Melbourne hooker Brandon Smith, who was raised on Waiheke Island; Wellingtonborn utility back Jahrome Hughes (Melbourne); Penrith secondrower Corey HarawiraNaera, who hails from Northland and Warriors secondrower Isaiah Papali’i.
The quintet’s selection follows the introduction of seven Kiwi new caps for the Denver test. Wingers Jamayne Isaako (Brisbane) and Ken Maumalo (Vodafone Warriors), centre Esan Marsters (Wests Tigers) and Warriorsbound frontrower Leeson Ah Mau (St George Illawarra) have been chosen again.
Raymond FaitalaMariner (CanterburyBankstown), Slade Griffin (Newcastle) and Herman Ese’ese (Newcastle) were ruled out due to injury.
‘‘This is a new era for the Kiwis and that’s again reflected in the makeup of this squad as it was for the Denver test,’’ Maguire said.
‘‘A lot of experienced players have moved on in recent years in the shape of Simon Mannering, Thomas Leuluai, Manu Vatuvei, Jason Nightingale, Ben Matulino, Kieran Foran, Russell Packer and others.
‘‘We’re also without Roger TuivasaSheck, Issac Luke, Tohu Harris and Nelson AsofaSolomona this time while there have been a number of players who have aligned themselves with Tonga,’ he said.
‘‘It’s a huge opportunity for us and for the sporting public having the world champions in our own back yard. We also have the Kiwi Ferns and the Junior Kiwis taking on Australia at Mount Smart Stadium.’’
Melbourne prop Nelson AsofaSolomona and Sydney Roosters frontrower Zane Tetevano were ruled out of contention for the tour following injuries they picked up in the NRL grand final.
The Kiwis will assemble in Auckland this weekend to prepare for the Bill Kelly Cup international. It will be their first test against the Kangaroos on New Zealand soil since winning the 2014 Four Nations final in Wellington.
Squad.—