Kiwis squad named for Anzac Test in Canberra

  • 30/04/2017
Uncapped Kiwi Brandon Smith (Photosport)
Uncapped Kiwi Brandon Smith (Photosport)

The Kiwis welcome back Warriors trio Simon Mannering, Kieran Foran and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck for Friday's Anzac Test against the Kangaroos in Canberra.

All three missed representative matches last year due to injury, while Foran was unavailable for selection.

Coach David Kidwell is excited to have all three players available, who have 72 Test caps combined.

"First of all, all three of them bring a lot of mana to our group and that's hugely important," Kidwell said.

"Simon's experience in any squad is invaluable, he's been a leader in our side for a long time, so it's fantastic to have him fit and ready.

"Kieran's been playing some good footy this year and his combination with Shaun Johnson and Roger at the back is certainly benefiting from the more time they all spend together too."

The Kiwis also welcome back Dragons prop Russell Packer, who last played for the team in 2011. 

Russell Packer (Getty Images)
Russell Packer (Getty Images)

"[Russell] was pretty delighted to get a call from me, like anyone in life they have their ups and downs, and Russell's been putting the hard yards in, and we just want him to do the same for the Kiwis."

Melbourne Storm enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona and hooker Brandon Smith are the only uncapped players in the squad.

Parramatta Eels forward Manu Ma'u was unavailable for selection due an injury.

The Kiwis face the Kangaroos at GIO Stadium in Canberra at 10pm on Friday night (NZ time)

New Zealand Kiwis Squad 2017 (* denotes international debut)

Nelson Asofa-Solomona* (Storm), Adam Blair (Broncos), Jesse Bromwich (Storm / Captain), Kenny Browmich (Storm), Kieran Foran (Warriors), David Fusitua (Warriors), Shaun Johnson (Warriors), Jordan Kahu (Broncos), Issac Luke (Warriors), Simon Mannering (Warriors), Kodi Nikorima (Broncos), Russell Packer (Dragons), Kevin Proctor (Titans), Jordan Rapana (Raiders), Brandon Smith* (Storm), Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys), Martin Taupau (Sea Eagles), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Warriors), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Panthers), Dean Whare (Panthers)

Newshub.