KEY POINTS:
Another farewell for three of New Zealand rugby league's luminaries has also hinted at the imminent return to international duty of Kiwis "imposter" Nathan Fien.
The New Zealand Warriors utility, the focus of an eligibility row when he debuted for the Kiwis in the 2006 Tri-Nations, is among
the interchange bench when the All Golds take on New Zealand Maori in New Plymouth on October 12.
Queensland-born Fien has now fulfilled the residency qualifications to represent New Zealand two years after the New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) incorrectly selected him on the basis his grandmother was born in New Zealand.
A subsequent investigation discovered it was actually Fien's great grandmother that was born here - a generation outside international rugby league's dispensation.
Fien played two tests in the series which culminated in Australia beating the Kiwis in golden-point extra time in Sydney.
Since the retirement of Stacey Jones - who is the starting halfback against the Maori - the Kiwis have struggled to find an adequate replacement.
Fien's selection on the bench suggests he is well in the frame for the 24-man World Cup squad to be named early next week.
While Jones, who was afforded an All Golds farewell in England last year, makes a cameo appearance it is also an opportunity for league fans to see Ruben Wiki and Logan Swann in action one last time.
Seven members of the New Zealand Warriors have been named in the All Golds.
Wests Tigers standoff Benji Marshall starts outside Jones while England-based Thomas Leuluai is another halves option.
Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney said the match at Yarrow Stadium was critical in terms of preparation.
"It has great value for us as we look towards our opening (World Cup) match against Australia in Sydney (October 26)," he said.
"We've got just this match against the Maori and then the test against Tonga (on October 18 in Auckland) to get ourselves ready.
"Apart from Ruben, Stacey and Logan, the rest of the players in the All Golds side are all frontline contenders for the World Cup in what is a test-quality line-up."
The Maori team will be named today. It is expected to include several players from New Zealand's original World Cup train-on squad while the rest will mainly have NRL experience.
All Golds
Lance Hohaia, Sam Perrett, Iosia Soliola, Krisnan Inu, Manu Vatuvei, Benji Marshall, Stacey Jones, David Fa'alogo, Logan Swann, Setaimata Sa, Ruben Wiki (captain), Issac Luke, Nathan Cayless.
Interchange: Greg Eastwood, Nathan Fien, David Kidwell, Thomas Leuluai, Sam Rapira, Jerome Ropati.
- NZPA
