Kiwis' skipper Benji Marshall. Photo / Getty Images
Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney has made a number of positional swaps and one change in personnel for the Four Nations rugby league test against England here on Saturday.
In announcing a 19-man squad for the match, Kearney has brought back Sydney Roosters forward Frank-Paul Nuuausala, who missed last weekend's 50-6
victory over Samoa in Auckland.
That means Sika Manu has been named as the 18th man on an extended interchange bench.
After coming off the bench last week, Simon Mannering will start in the back row with Bronson Harrison and Jeremy Smith after illness restricted him to limited training ahead of the Samoan match. Mannering's selection results in Frank Pritchard moving to the bench.
The other changes come at halfback and hooker, with utility Nathan Fien to start at halfback with Thomas Leuluai switched to run on at hooker while Issac Luke, who began the Samoan match at hooker, has been selected on the bench.
Jason Nightingale retains the right winger's job after an impressive performance against Samoa.
"It was difficult to pick our 23-man squad for the Four Nations in the first place and it has been really tough selecting this side to play England," Kearney said.
"At the same time, it's a nice challenge to have. We have lots of players pushing for places, which is the way you want it to be."
With captain Benji Marshall and Fien in the halves, Leuluai at hooker and Luke on the bench, Kearney is fielding a combination first used at the 2008 World Cup and again used during last year's Four Nations.
Kiwis side:
Lance Hohaia, Jason Nightingale, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Junior Sa'u, Manu Vatuvei, Benji Marshall (captain), Nathan Fien, Greg Eastwood, Thomas Leuluai, Adam Blair, Simon Mannering, Bronson Harrison, Jeremy Smith.
Interchange: Issac Luke, Ben Matulino, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Frank Pritchard, Sika Manu, Sam Perrett.
- NZPA
