Kearney names Solomone Kata in Kiwis training squad

Solomone Kata made four appearances for Tonga between 2014-16 (Photosport)

Eleven Warriors have been included in the initial Kiwis train-on squad of 23 named by coach Stephen Kearney.

Uncapped players Solomone Kata, David Fusitu'a, Sam Lisone, and Bodene Thompson have made the cut along with out-of-form veterans Manu Vatuvei and Ben Matulino.

Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is also back in the mix.

Several Kiwis regulars are already ruled out through injury, including Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Peta Hiku, Dean Whare, Kieran Foran and Kodi Nikorima.

Kearney's only picked players whose teams are out of the NRL playoffs and a final squad of 24 will be named the week after the Grand Final.

The Kiwis will play Australia in Perth next month, followed by a Four Nations campaign in England.

New Zealand Kiwis: Lewis Brown, Addin Fonua-Blake, David Fusitu'a, Shaun Johnson, Solomone Kata, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Thomas Leuluai, Sam Lisone, Isaac Liu, Tuimoala Lolohea, Issac Luke, Simon Mannering, Ben Matulino, Manu Ma'u, Sam Moa, Jason Nightingale, Tim Simona, Brad Takairangi, Martin Taupau, Elijah Taylor, Bodene Thompson, Manu Vatuvei, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.

Newshub.

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