Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Manu Ma'u are the two uncapped players in the Kiwis side to take on Australia in the ANZAC Test on Friday.
The Panther and Eel join a number of new names in a squad depleted by the loss of several key players, making the omission of experienced Warriors rake Issac Luke that much more glaring.
Storm prop Jesse Bromwich will captain the side for the first time in the absence of regular skipper Simon Mannering.
Shaun Johnson is the sole Warriors player to be included following the announcement earlier today that national side regulars Manu Vatuvei Ben Matulino would not be considered for selection following their breach of discipline last week.
Watene-Zelezniak (20) and bruising Parramatta forward Manu Ma’u are the newcomers on a roster aiming to defend its world #1 ranking, retain the Bill Kelly Cup and achieve a fourth consecutive win against world champions Australia.
“Two years ago, we had a few players ruled out through injury and Manu was right in the mix then, but injured his hand,” says Kearney. “I just think he’s shown consistency in his football since being at Parramatta and it’s an opportunity for us to grow that depth of talent that we have.
“The way he’s been playing is certainly what we’re after.”
With regular captain Simon Mannering sidelined by injury, Melbourne prop Jesse Bromwich (Kiwi #775), a 17-test veteran since 2012, will lead the side for the first time.
“You just need to look at Jesse's performances over the past two years, when he’s elevated himself to one of the premier front rowers in our game and at international level,” says Kearney.
“But it’s more than his performances – it’s everything that he brings to the table. He’s a wonderful leader in his own right.
“He ticks all the right boxes. We certainly saw that in England, where Adam Blair and Issac Luke were our captains, but Jesse was part of the leadership group and really stepped up to the plate.
“It was just a matter of time that he assumed the role we’ve given him this week.”
North Queensland powerhouse Jason Taumalolo returns to the national side, after missing its entire 2015 campaign, while NZ Warriors half Shaun Johnson and Canterbury Bulldogs lock Greg Eastwood are back, after missing the England series.
“I’m super happy with who we have and the one thing we’ve built over the last two years is, regardless who we have in the jumper, we have a responsibility and duty to go out there and perform,” says Kearney.
“If we take close to our best performance to the contest on Friday, then I’m super confident we give ourselves a great opportunity.”
