KEY POINTS:
Kiwis rugby league coach Stephen Kearney has recalled Krisnan Inu, Issac Luke and David Fa'alogo for Saturday night's World Cup clash against Papua New Guinea at Skilled Park on the Gold Coast.
Inu, who played on the wing against Tonga on October 18, comes in at centre for the suspended Steve Matai while second rower Setaimata Sa returns to the starting line up for the injured Sika Manu (eye) with Fa'alogo taking Sa's spot on the bench.
The only other change to the side that lost 6-30 to Australia in Sydney on Sunday night sees a swap in the dummy half option on the interchange bench, Luke taking over from Dene Halatau.
While Inu, Luke and Fa'alogo all missed the official World Cup opener in Sydney, they not only played against Tonga 10 days ago but they also lined up for the All Golds against New Zealand Maori in New Plymouth on October 12.
"Suspension and injury have kept Steve and Sika out but it's a comfort for us that we have quality players to bring in like Kris and David," Kearney said.
"And Issac has kept pushing for a spot as well. It's a sign of the competition we have for places within the squad."
Kearney said the disappointment of the display against Australia had been dealt with.
"While the overall performance and the result itself weren't what we wanted, we were still encouraged by some areas of the match," he said.
"We've analysed that game and now it's time to move on to Papua New Guinea. This is a critical match for both sides.
"We'll need to show improvement and be right on our game to compete with the Kumuls. They were really impressive against England and we're certainly aware we are in for a tough night. We have to be ready for them."
England's Steve Ganson has been appointed as referee.
Kiwis
Lance Hohaia, Sam Perrett, Krisnan Inu, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, Benji Marshall, Thomas Leuluai, Nathan Cayless (c), Nathan Fien, Adam Blair, Simon Mannering, Setaimata Sa, Jeremy Smith.
Interchange: Issac Luke, Greg Eastwood, Sam Rapira, David Fa'alogo.
- NZPA
