League: Kearney names co-captains for England series

Adam Blair and Issac Luke will co-captain the Kiwis. Photo / Getty

Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney has named veterans Adam Blair and Issac Luke as co-captains to lead the Kiwis on their upcoming four game tour of England.

The pair will share the role in the absence of usual skipper Simon Mannering, who has been stood down from selection as he continues to recover from a gastric illness that has plagued him for much of the season.

With vice-captain Kieran Foran (elbow) and other senior players Shaun Johnson (ankle) and Thomas Leuluai (knee) also missing the tour through injury, the Brisbane Broncos enforcer and 2016 Warriors hooker will be relied upon to show the way for the rest of the 23-man squad that includes six rookies - utility backs Jordan Kahu and Tui Lolohea, wing Curtis Rona, hooker/half Kodi Nikorima, and forwards Isaac Liu and Sio Siua Taukeiaho.

Blair's appointment comes after he played a leading role in the Broncos charge to the NRL grand final.

The 29-year-old returned to the Kiwis last year after a three-year absence and was a strong performer in last year's Four Nations triumph.

"In big games, he has delivered for us before," said Kearney, who works alongside Blair in his role as Broncos assistant coach.

"He's been in the programme for quite some time and knows what's expected - I see it as a natural choice."

Luke, the former South Sydney Rabbitohs No9, has 33 tests under his belt - two more than Blair - having made his debut in the 2008 Anzac test and featuring off the bench for the World Cup win later that year.

The 28-year-old was a key figure in South Sydney's 2014 premiership win, although he missed the grand final through suspension.

"Issac is very highly respected within the group and, again, has been part of the programme for a long time," said Kearney.

"He's definitely one that's grown over the course if his Kiwis career, both as a footballer and a leader."

The England tour begins on October 23 with a warm-up game against Leeds, with the three tests scheduled for Hull (November 1), London's Olympic Stadium (November 7) and Wigan (November 14).

Kiwis squad: Gerard Beale, Adam Blair, Jesse Bromwich, Lewis Brown, Alex Glenn, Tohu Harris, Peta Hiku, Jordan Kahu, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Tuimoala Lolohea, Isaac Liu, Issac Luke, Ben Matulino, Sam Moa, Jason Nightingale, Kodi Nikorima, Kevin Proctor, Curtis Rona, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Jason Taumalolo, Martin Taupau, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Dean Whare