Former New Zealand Warriors prop Evarn Tuimavave will lead the Newcastle Knights against his former club in Saturday's charity rugby league trial match in Greymouth for the Pike River miners relief fund.
Tuimavave, who made 105 appearances for the Warriors before joining the Knights last year, captains a 22-man squad missing a host of first team regulars including skipper Kurt Gidley, last season's try-scoring sensation Akuila Uate and playmaker Jarrod Mullen.
Gidley and Uate will be in camp ahead of the NRL All Stars game on February 12, while Knights head coach Rick Stone will gradually introduce his first choice players during three other pre-National Rugby League season matches.
Kiwis representatives Junior Sau and Zeb Taia are not among the tour party for the West Coast, while former Kangaroos and NSW wing Adam MacDougall also misses the trip designed to raise money - and spirits - in the region following the death of 29 miners following an explosion at Pike River mine in November.
A new-look squad features a sizeable New Zealand contingent - lock Marvin Karawana, centre Siuatonga Likiliki - a new recruit from the Warriors - plus juniors Josh Ailaomai (prop), backrower Marvin Filipo, second rower Zane Tetevano, and five-eighth Api Pewhairangi.
The Knights arrive in Greymouth on Thursday and will take part in fund raising events with the Warriors including a West Coast Rugby League charity dinner on Friday night before the match at Wingham Park on Miners Solidarity Day.
Players and management from both sides will also visit the Brunner Mine, scene of the 1896 disaster which claimed 65 lives.
Tuimavave said it was a privilege to be involved in such a poignant occasion after following the Pike River disaster from afar.
"I asked Stoney if I could play because I know it had a big effect on the community and this game will help them get through these tough times a bit better," he said.
Newcastle Knights squad: Chris Adams, Josh Ailaomai, Ethan Cook, Joel Edwards, Marvin Filipo, Chris Houston, Marvin Karawana, Siuatonga Likiliki, Keith Lulia, Peter Mata'utia, Shannon McDonnell, Kevin Naiqama, Kyle O'Donnell, Api Pewhairangi, Chad Redman, Tyrone Roberts, Ben Rogers, Steve Southern, Ryan Stig, Zane Tetevano, Evarn Tuimavave (captain), Simon Williams.
- NZPA
Evarn Tuimavave. Photo / Getty Images
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