BRISBANE - Issac Luke has been named as the Kiwis' starting hooker for Friday's test against Australia as he prepares to fight a striking charge at the National Rugby League (NRL) judiciary tonight.
Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney today confirmed his starting lineup for the Suncorp Stadium test which includes just
two changes from the memorable 34-20 World Cup final win here in November.
Luke was named as starting hooker, with England-based Thomas Leuluai not selected, while prop Roy Asotasi returns from injury to start in place of retired skipper Nathan Cayless.
Captain Benji Marshall will start at his preferred halfback spot, and swaps positions with Nathan Fien who moves to five-eighth. Fien is one of five New Zealand Warriors in the starting backline.
Luke is not yet assured of playing the test as he faces a one-match ban for a grade one striking charge incurred while playing for South Sydney last weekend if his club's lawyer Geoff Bellew can't successfully defend him of the charge tonight (8pm NZT).
Luke will train with the team this morning then fly to Sydney for the hearing at NRL headquarters before returning later tonight.
The Kiwis' back row combination remains unchanged with Bronson Harrison and David Fa'alogo in the second row and Jeremy Smith at loose forward.
Smith suffered a high ankle sprain last Sunday but he and team medical staff were confident he would be fit to play.
Greg Eastwood is the only survivor from the World Cup bench with Melbourne's Jeff Lima replacing injured prop Sam Rapira (sternum).
Winger Jason Nightingale and centre/second rower Iosia Soliola have been handed the remaining two interchange spots.
Reserve hooker Dene Halatau and forward Sika Manu, both called in as cover this week, are 18th and 19th men.
Kiwis
Lance Hohaia, Sam Perrett, Simon Mannering, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, Nathan Fien, Benji Marshall (captain), Roy Asotasi, Issac Luke, Adam Blair, David Fa'alogo, Bronson Harrison, Jeremy Smith.
Interchange: Greg Eastwood, Jeff Lima, Jason Nightingale, Iosia Soliola.
- NZPA
