Rawene's James Fisher-Harris is a chance to make his Kiwis' debut during the Four Nations after being called into the squad. Brett Hemmings/Getty Images
Rawene's James Fisher-Harris is a chance to make his Kiwis' debut during the Four Nations after being called into the squad. Brett Hemmings/Getty Images
Penrith Panthers forward James Fisher-Harris is in line to make his Kiwis debut during the Four Nations after replacing the injured Simon Mannering.
Kiwis coach David Kidwell is excited to have the Rawene product in his squad.
"He was really high on our list for the initial squad, but narrowlymissed out. We are fortunate to have this calibre of player to call on.
"He's come through the NZRL pathways and has performed at a very high level in the NRL. I'm looking forward to getting him in camp."
"Simon is a big loss for us. His leadership, experience and work ethic are really valuable, but I'm confident in my senior playing group to demonstrate those characteristics, on and off the field."
Fisher-Harris will join the team tomorrow, when they assemble in Auckland before leaving for England.
Mannering did not travel to Perth for the test match against Australia to give him an extra week to recover from a minor knee injury, but unfortunately it wasn't enough time.
"He's up and running, but his knee isn't game ready," said Kiwis team doctor Greg Macleod.
"We have maintained regular contact with the NZ Warriors medical staff and we were optimistic that Simon would be ready for the tour. It turns out he needs a bit more time to make a full recovery."
Meanwhile, another Whangarei Kiwi was not mincing his words after New Zealand's disappointing 26-6 loss to Australia.
Adam Blair, who was one of the Kiwis' best players in Perth, said losses like that one are not acceptable for this unit.
"Everything's changed since back when I first started and how we were happy just to lose by a try or something," he said.
"Everyone was disappointed by what happened but the good thing with this group and what we've instilled with the culture and stuff, the belief is still there and the belief is strong between each other and that's our family."
"Every time you put on the jersey, you have to make a difference. We never give up for each other, no matter what the score line is or how we're playing. We play every minute, to the last minute."
The New Zealand squad flies out tonight ahead of their first Four Nations match against England on October 29.
