League: Trio return for Kiwis

Nathan Fien. Photo / Getty Images

Adam Blair and Frank Pritchard and emerging international Ben Matulino were today named to return for New Zealand's Four Nations rugby league test against Australia in Auckland on Saturday.

The trio missed the 76-12 rampage against Papua New Guinea in Rotorua last weekend but coach Stephen Kearney has immediately recalled them for the feature attraction of the doubleheader at Eden Park.

Blair, Pritchard and Matulino played against Samoa and England but were rested for the test against the Kumuls.

In their absence, Penrith prop Sam McKendry was brought in to make his debut, Melbourne's Sika Manu started in the second row and Sydney Roosters forward Jared Waerea-Hargreaves came onto the bench for Matulino.

Blair now comes back for McKendry and Pritchard and Matulino secure places on a five-man interchange bench while Manu retains his starting role in the second row.

"As it has been throughout this campaign, it was a really difficult side to select," Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney said.

"If anything, it has got harder every week with all players pushing for spots. It's obviously disappointing for those who miss out but our commitment is to pick the side we believe is the best suited to perform for us against Australia this week."

While the two teams clash again on Saturday week in the Four Nations final in Brisbane, Kearney said the sole focus was on this week's encounter.

"Every Test we play is extremely important to us, especially when we have the chance to test ourselves against Australia. We don't go along with any talk of this being a dead rubber. It's a Test against Australia and this is also a really important occasion for the game in our country with the match being played at Eden Park."

The backline remains unchanged. Centre Junior Sa'u and winger Sam Perrett both scored hat-tricks against Papua New Guinea while right winger Jason Nightingale and fullback Lance Hohaia also scored tries.

England referee Richard Silverwood has been appointed to control the match.

Kiwis:
Lance Hohaia, Jason Nightingale, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Junior Sa'u, Sam Perrett, Benji Marshall (captain), Nathan Fien, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Thomas Leuluai, Adam Blair, Sika Manu, Simon Mannering, Jeremy Smith. Interchange (one to be omitted): Issac Luke, Greg Eastwood, Frank Pritchard, Ben Matulino, Bronson Harrison.

- NZPA