League: Kiwis name four debutants for first test

Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney has named a predictable team for the first test against England on Monday, with the lineup echoing the personnel used against Leeds last week.

It means that four players - Jordan Kahu, Tui Lolohea, Sio Siua Taukeiaho and Kodi Nikorima - will get their first taste of test football at the KC Stadium.

Co-captain Adam Blair has been named in an extended 19-man squad, but he will only take his place in the team if he comes through a fitness test tomorrow morning. The Broncos prop didn't train with the team yesterday but completed an individual session of running and agility to test his calf injury. Blair is ahead of schedule in his recovery, but still seems an unlikely starter.

"That's still an ongoing exercise and we'll make a call on Adam as late as tomorrow," said Kearney. "If he's unable to take the field, we've got some pretty handy replacements.

Hopefully, for Adam, he will get the chance to skipper the team with Issac Luke."

Kahu - who left the field at halftime against Leeds last week with a groin niggle - has recovered sufficiently to take his place at left centre, with the only other injury concern over Lewis Brown, who tweaked an ankle at training yesterday.

The only other changes from the match at Headingley are numerical, with Sam Moa selected to start and Ben Matulino moved to the interchange bench.

Martin Taupau, who also started against Leeds, is named in the reserves but this will change if Blair pulls out.

The Kiwis enjoyed a day off today, after an intense training and travel schedule over the last few days. They were also guests at the 150th anniversary celebration dinner of Hull FC last night, with 1980s legend James Leuluai flown over as a guest of honour.

Today some of the team opted for a day trip to Leeds, while the remainder took part in a golf tournament at their hotel.

Kiwis

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
2. Jason Nightingale
3. Jordan Kahu
4. Dean Whare
5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall
6. Peta Hiku
7. Tuimoala Lolohea
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Issac Luke
10. Sam Moa
11. Kevin Proctor
12. Tohu Harris
13. Adam Blair
14. Kodi Nikorima
15. Martin Taupau
16. Ben Matulino
17. Sio Siua Taukeiaho
18. Alex Glenn
19. Lewis Brown

- By Michael Burgess in Hull

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