League: Who will make the cut for the Kiwis?

Thomas Leuluai is a strong choice for the hooking spot, which would otherwise belong to the suspended Issac Luke. Photo / Richard Robinson

Plenty of intrigue surrounds the make-up of Stephen Kearney's Kiwis side to be named tomorrow ahead of Saturday's opening Four Nations clash against the Kangaroos in Brisbane.

Despite missing a number of top-liner's due to player burnout, injury and suspension, Kearney has a myriad of forward and backline combinations at his disposal.

How he will utilise some returning veterans, which of the five debutants will get their first taste of international footy, and how many of the side that performed admirably in the Anzac test will hold their place, are just some of the questions occupying the thoughts of Kiwis' fans.

With this trans-Tasman encounter likely to be the Kiwis toughest match of the round robin stage, Kearney will be juggling his desires of wanting a first-up win, and hoping to introduce individuals and new combinations as soon as possible.

Kieran Foran seems certain to reclaim the No6 jersey after missing the April test through injury and his combination with halfback Shaun Johnson will be pivotal to the Kiwis' tournament hopes.

The experience and durability of Thomas Leuluai should fill the hooking spot, which would otherwise belong to the suspended Issac Luke. The Warriors utility brings defensive steel and a kicking game and will add some extra stability to the spine, with the still-emerging Anzac test debutant Peta Hiku likely to slot in at fullback once more.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's absence could open the door for Penrith teen sensation Dallin Watene-Zelezniak to claim the left wing position, but Kearney could well opt for the size, power and experience of Manu Vatuvei.

The rest of the backline could feature the incumbents from the April outing, with Dean Whare and Gerard Beale resuming their midfield partnership ahead of Shaun Kenny-Dowall, and the reliable Jason Nightingale slotting in comfortably again on the right flank.

The forward mix is little more curious, so we'll start with the obvious - captain Simon Mannering will take his place in the second-row and Jesse Bromwich is a no-brainer to occupy one front-row berth.

Kevin Proctor seems a logical selection for the remaining second-row spot, and while Martin Taupau and Suaia Matagi have obvious claims to playing prop, the likes of Greg Eastwood and other back-rowers, such as Adam Blair, Jason Taumalolo and Tohu Harris are well accustomed to playing in the middle of the park and could be used up-front.

Eastwood finished the year in style with the Bulldogs and would offer a point of difference in the front-row while the time is right for Taumalolo to be unleashed at loose-forward.

The make-up of the bench will vary accordingly, but Panthers utility Lewis Brown offers insurance for hooker, back-row, and centre, and that should see him chosen ahead of rookie Warriors No9 specialist Siliva Havili.

Cronulla's Sosaia Feki offers back-up at wing and centre, but with power and size being central to the Kiwis' chances of causing an upset, the remaining bench spots are likely to consist of a blend of the aforementioned forwards.

Possible Kiwis side:

1. Peta Hiku
2. Manu Vatuvei
3. Dean Whare
4. Gerard Beale
5. Jason Nightingale
6. Kieran Foran
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Thomas Leuluai
10. Greg Eastwood
11. Simon Mannering (c)
12. Kevin Proctor
13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange:
14. Lewis Brown
15. Tohu Harris
16. Martin Taupau
17. Adam Blair
18. Sosaia Feki