League: Debutants in Kiwis squad

Lewis Brown. Photo / Getty Images

The Kiwis will field at least one debutant in Friday night's Anzac test after coach Stephen Kearney drafted untested trio Lewis Brown, Gerard Beale and Matthew Duffie into a 19-man squad.

The coach won't confirm his match-day 17 until later in the week, but it will have at least one of the uncapped trio.

Lance Hohaia's sparkling return to form for the Warriors yesterday should see him retain the fullback's jumper ahead of young Broncos fullback Beale, who could be left to compete with Storm winger Duffie for the wing berth not occupied by definite starter Jason Nightingale.

An unused member of last year's Four Nations squad, Brown has been in storming form for the Warriors. His best chance of seeing action appears to be as a bench utility. If Kearney opts for more forward firepower off the bench at the expense of a second specialist hooker, Brown's ability to cover dummy half could be a factor.

Props Sam Rapira and Fuifui Moimoi, and halfback Kieran Foran also return to the squad after missing the Four Nations.

There was no place for specialist centres Steve Matai or Junior Sa'u, suggesting Simon Mannering will continue in the role he filled in the Four Nations and World Cup finals.

Of the players who have dropped out of the squad, Wigan's Thomas Leuluai wasn't considered for selection, while Sam Perrett and Sika Manu are injured. Roosters forward Frank-Paul Nuuausala has been dropped, and there was also no place for veteran second rower Frank Pritchard, who missed the Four Nations final through injury.

Former skipper Roy Asotasi was ruled out after breaking his wrist playing for Souths on Friday night.

"As usual there are some players who couldn't be considered through injury, but that's always a factor in team selection, one you can't control," Kearney said.

"We're excited about the group of players we've been able to bring together, and it's a real thrill to have two new players in the squad."

Having added the Four Nations title to their world cup crown, the Anzac test shapes as the last major barrier yet to be crashed through by the Kiwis. Their sole success from 11 Anzac tests came on the only occasion the match was held in New Zealand, at North Harbour Stadium in 1998.

This year's match was to have been held in Christchurch but was switched to the Gold Coast following February's earthquake.

"While we've had some success against Australia in the last few years, we haven't done well in the Anzac test," Kearney said. "The challenge for us is to prepare really well to give ourselves a chance of competing with them. They're always difficult to contend with at any time and especially at this stage of the season."

Justin Hodges' recall to the centres after more than a year out injured is the major talking point of a powerful Kangaroos line-up.

Hodges is one of five Broncos in the side, as opposed to just two players from the champion St George Illawarra Dragons - second rower Ben Creagh and wing Brett Morris.

Broncos flyer Jharal Yow Yeh has been named to make his debut on the wing, while prop Petero Civoniceva, who ruled himself out of the Four Nations final, has been recalled.

POSSIBLE KIWIS LINEUP

1. Lance Hohaia
2. Jason Nightingale
3. Shaun Kenny-Dowall
4. Simon Mannering
5. Matt Duffie
6. Benji Marshall (c)
7. Kieran Foran
8. Adam Blair
9. Nathan Fien
10. Greg Eastwood
11. Bronson Harrison
12. Ben Matulino
13. Jeremy Smith

Interchange from: Issac Luke, Lewis Brown, Sam Rapira, Fuifui Moimoi, Sam McKendry, Gerard Beale