KEY POINTS:
Manly centre Steve Matai was today named in the Kiwi rugby league team to face Tonga in Auckland on Saturday, two days after being cleared to join the World Cup squad.
Matai didn't meet up with his team-mates until yesterday, having been doubtful for the upcoming tournament because of a shoulder injury he carried through the Sea Eagles' title run in the National Rugby League.
Also included is New Zealand Warrior Nathan Fien, who will be the starting hooker.
The match will be Fien's third appearance in a Kiwi jersey, and his first since he was ruled ineligible to represent New Zealand during the 2006 Tri-Nations.
The utility has since qualified by residency.
Fien is one of six Warriors in the side, with the fullback spot vacated by injured Leeds custodian Brent Webb going to Lance Hohaia.
Wests Tigers' Benji Marshall will play his first test outside Australia, teaming up in the halves with Wigan halfback Thomas Leuluai.
Marshall's three previous tests have all been against Australia in Brisbane.
Melbourne back rower Sika Manu is in line to make his test debut, having been included in an expanded six-man bench.
New Zealand begin their World Cup campaign against the Kangaroos in Sydney on October 26.
Kiwis
Lance Hohaia, Sam Perrett, Steve Matai, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, Benji Marshall, Thomas Leuluai, Nathan Cayless (captain), Nathan Fien, Sam Rapira, Simon Mannering, Setaimata Sa, Jeremy Smith.
Interchange (two to be omitted): Issac Luke, Sika Manu, Greg Eastwood, Adam Blair, David Fa'alogo, Krisnan Inu.
- NZPA
