Kiwis v Great Britain: Shaun Johnson returns for second test against Lions

Star playmaker Shaun Johnson is back in the NZ Kiwis for this weekend's second rugby league test against Great Britain in Christchurch. 

The five-eighth was dropped after a sub-par performance in the side's loss to Australia two weeks ago, but he's been recalled, after veteran Kieran Foran injured his shoulder in the win over the Lions at Eden Park.

Coach Michael Maguire hopes Johnson's omission last week will have the desired effect.  

"It's a good test of character to see how he reacts," says Maguire. "When something is taken away, you realise how special that is and I'm sure Shaun understands that too.

"Going into this game, he's going to have a lot more between the ears, ready to go and wanting to make sure he's at his best for his country."

After starting against Great Britain last week, Kodi Nikorima will be on the bench, despite making a game-high 53 tackles, while Brandon Smith will start at hooker, after being stood down last week for breaching team protocols.

Rookie Corey Harawira-Naera has been promoted into the starting pack, after Kenny Bromwich returned to Melbourne for the birth of his second child. Bromwich is named on an extended bench, should he return before the game.

If not, Kevin Proctor will cover his absence.

NZ Kiwis: 1-Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2-Ken Maumalo, 3-Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 4-Joseph Manu, 5-Jamayne Isaako, 6-Shaun Johnson, 7-Benji Marshall, 8-Zane Tetevano, 9-Brandon Smith, 10-Jared Warea-Hargreaves, 11-Briton Nikora, 12-Corey Harawira-Naera, 13-Joseph Tapine

Interchange: 14-Kodi Nikorima, 15-Kevin Proctor, 16-Leeson Ah Mau, 17-Adam Blair, 18-Jahrome Hughes, 19-Braden Hamlin-Uele, 20-Kenny Bromwich, 21-Bailey Simonsson, 22-Isaiah Papali'i

Join us at 8pm Saturday for live updates of the second Kiwis v Great Britain league test

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