League: Just one Warriors player in NZ squad

Only one player from the New Zealand Warriors NRL side - the traditional source of countless Kiwi representatives - has made the lineup for the one-off clash against Great Britain at St Helens this month.

In total, a mere five National Rugby League (NRL) players were today named in the 22-strong New Zealand test squad, which, by necessity, has drawn primarily on British-based players.

Whether all would be available would be determined closer to the test, New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) chairman Selwyn (Sel) Bennett said.

Clinton Toopi is the sole Warrior who will be traveling.

Sel Bennett said one NRL player, utility Greg Eastwood, who scored two tries in Brisbane's win over the Warriors last weekend, had already been released by his club.

There are five uncapped players in the 22 -- Eastwood, Harrison Hanson (Wigan), Fui Fui Moi Moi (Parramatta), Ben Roberts (Bulldogs) and Iosia Soliola (Sydney Roosters).

Coach Brian McClennan said he was confident veteran halfback Stacey Jones, who has just come back from injury for French club Catalans, would make himself available.

He said Jones and Melbourne forward David Kidwell were contenders for the captaincy.

Five players will be omitted from the squad a week before the test at Knowsley Road on June 28 (NZT).

New Zealand Kiwis:

Vinnie Anderson (St Helens), Jason Cayless (St Helens), Alex Chan (Catalans), Greg Eastwood (Brisbane), Henry Faafili (Warrington), Harrison Hanson (Wigan), Shontayne Hape (Bradford), Stacey Jones (Catalans), David Kidwell (Melbourne), Ali Lauitiiti (Leeds), Francis Meli (St Helens), Fui Fui Moi Moi (Parramatta), Iafeta Paleaaesina (Wigan), Robbie Paul (Huddersfield), Ben Roberts (Bulldogs), David Solomona (Wakefield), Iosia Soliola (Sydney Roosters), Logan Swann (Warrington), Willie Talau (St Helens), Motu Tony (Hull), Clinton Toopi (New Zealand Warriors), Lesley Vainikolo (Bradford).

- NZPA