Rugby league: Michael Maguire backs youth in fresh-faced Kiwis squad

Fresh off winning the NRL premiership with the Sydney Rooster, young centre Joseph Manu is in line for a taste of the international stage.

The 22-year-old from Tokoroa was one of five debutants named in Michael Maguire's Kiwis side of this month's match against the Kangaroos in Auckland and a three-match series against England at the end of the year. Second-rowers Corey Harawira-Naera (Penrith) and Isaiah Papali'i (Warriors), and Storm duo Brandon Smith and Jahrome Hughes are also in line to make their debuts.

The squad gives a clear indication that Maguire has decided to look to the future, with 16 of the 23-man squad having fewer than 10 international caps, while only 11 of the team who played in the Denver Test against England earlier this year remain in the squad.

The were some notable absences from the squad. Destructive Storm forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona suffered an ankle injury in Sunday night's Grand Final and was expected to be sidelined for up to 10 weeks. Roosters forward Zane Tetevano also missed out on the squad after being injured in the Grand Final. A player will be added later to take the remaining spot left by their injuries.

Issac Luke, Tohu Harris and Dally M medallist Roger Tuivasa-Sheck are also not with the team.

"This is a new era for the Kiwis and that's again reflected in the make-up of this squad as it was for the Denver Test," Maguire said.

"A lot of experienced players have moved on in recent years in the shape of Simon Mannering, Thomas Leuluai, Manu Vatuvei, Jason Nightingale, Ben Matulino, Kieran Foran, Russell Packer and others.

"For us it's really exciting bringing in these new players as we strive to take the national side to the place we want it to be. That starts with the Test against the Kangaroos."

The Kiwi Ferns have also added a number of debutants for their upcoming match against the Jillaroos, which will be played before the Kiwis take on the Kangaroos in October.

Onjeurlina Leiataua, Masuisuimatamaalii Tauasa-Pauaraisa (Warriors) and Lavinia Gould (Broncos) have been included in the squad after impressing during the NRL Women's competition this year.

Kiwis: Gerard Beale, Leeson Ah Mau, Adam Blair, Jahrome Hughes*, Jamayne Isaako, Jesse Bromwich, Shaun Johnson, Joseph Manu*, Esan Marsters, Ken Maumalo, Kodi Nikorima, Jordan Rapana, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Kenneath Bromwich, James Fisher-Harris, Isaac Liu, Isaiah Papali'i*, Kevin Proctor, Brandon Smith*, Joseph Tapine, Martin Taupau, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.

Kiwi Ferns: Raquel Anderson-Pitman, Apii Nicholls, Langi Veainu, Amber Kani, Annetta-Claudia Nuuausala, Aieshaleigh Smalley, Laura Mariu, Onjeurlina Leiataua*, Masuisuimatamaalii Tauasa-Pauaraisa*, Ngatokotoru Arakua, Karley Te Kawa, Kimiora Nati, Teuila Fotu-Moala, Maitua Feterika, Lavinia Gould*, Lilieta Maumau, Honey Hireme, Raecene McGregor, Nita Maynard.

* - uncapped players.