League: Kiwis to be at full-strength against Tonga

Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney. Photo / Kenny Rodger

Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney intends to name a full-strength line-up for Saturday's one-off match against Tonga at Mount Smart Stadium.

Manly centre Steve Matai is expected to be one of those named after being cleared by a specialist to join the Kiwis.

The NRL Premiership winner has been told he does not need surgery on his shoulder, which was the only news Manly required to release Matai.

Kearney is pleased Manly has made Matai available as the centre has been super-keen to be part of the campaign and he says it is a result of them building a good relationship with all NRL clubs.

As for the match on the weekend, Kearney says they have to produce the level of intensity needed when the Rugby League World Cup starts later this month.

He says it is important they knuckle down this week as they have less than two weeks until their World Cup opener against Australia.

- NEWSTALK ZB