New Zealand Rugby League has revealed its 24-man squad to represent the Kiwis in this year’s Rugby League World Cup to be jointly hosted between New Zealand and Australia.
The squad includes five debutants, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Addin Fonua-Blake, Danny Levi, Isaac Liu and Brad Takairangi as well as three from the victorious 2008 Rugby League World Cup Kiwis side, Captain Adam Blair and veterans Thomas Leuluai and Simon Mannering.
Three players who featured in the recent NRL Grand Final have been selected including Kenneath Bromwich and Nelson Asofa-Solomona who were a part of the victorious Melbourne Storm.
Dally M Winger of the Year Jordan Rapana has also been named alongside Shaun Johnson, Te Maire Martin, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Jason Nightingale, Kodi Nikorima, Peta Hiku, Gerard Beale, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Dean Whare.
Martin Taupau, Russell Packer, Elijah Taylor, Joseph Tapine and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves round out the 24-man squad.
Coach David Kidwell says he and his fellow selectors, Tawera Nikau, Hugh McGahan and Tony Iro, are all proud and excited to name an enthusiastic squad that includes leadership, experience and a real want to work hard for each other.
Players not considered due to injury include Tohu Harris, Jordan Kahu, Kieran Foran and Ben Matulino, while Jason Taumalolo, Sio Siua Taukeiaho and David Fusitu’a opted to represent Mate Ma’a Tonga.
New Zealand squad:
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Dallin Watene Zelezniak, Jason Nightingale, Jordan Rapana, Gerard Beale, Brad Takairangi, Dean Whare, Peta Hiku, Shaun Johnson, Thomas Leuluai, Kodi Nikorima, Te Maire Martin, Danny Levi, Adam Blair, Martin Taupau, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Russell Packer, Addin Fonua-Blake, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Simon Mannering, Kenny Bromwich, Joseph Tapine, Isaac Liu, Elijah Taylor
