default-output-block.skip-main
Sport | Rugby league

Kearney’s fresh look for the Kiwis

Stephen Kearney is looking to the future planning for the 2017 World Cup, with a new look Kiwis side named to play the Kangaroos this Friday for the prestigious annual ANZAC Test.

Six new caps have been named, Manly fullback Peta Hiku and Penrith five-eighth Isaac John are the new players to come into the backs, and in the forwards, Warriors utility Ben Henry and hooker Siliva Havili, prop Martin Taupau from the West Togers and Melbourne Storm's Kenny Bromwhich are all in line to make their test debuts at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

Notable omissions are four players from the Sydney Roosters - superstar Sonny Bill Williams, who was not considered as he's returning to rugby union next year, prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Frank-Paul Nu'uausala and centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall.  Manu Vatuvei from the Warriors also missed out.

Tohu Harris, the player forced out of the Kiwis at the World Cup after Williams' late change of heart to make himself available, returns to the New Zealand squad.

The Kiwis are currently in Sydney preparing for the test this Friday.