Rugby League: Four debutants in Kiwis side

Warriors player Tuimoala Lolohea will make his Kiwis debut against Leeds. Photo / Dean Purcell

The Kiwis halves combination in England will consist of an international rookie, and a player who has spent almost his entire NRL career at the other end of the backline.

It had been signposted for a while but today was confirmed; Tui Lolohea and Peta Hiku will wear the six and seven jerseys against Leeds tomorrow (Saturday 8am NZT), and most likely for the rest of the Kiwis tour.

It's a big ask. The Kiwis don't have a great record in England - they've won just one series here in the last 30 years - and have lost 10 of their last fifteen encounters between the two sides in the northern hemisphere. Expectations are high this time, and Lolohea and Hiku, as playmakers, will have to deliver.

But they are an exciting duo. Lolohea showed his potential for the Warriors this season, and that was often behind a pack that was struggling for parity. He's got plenty of flair in attack and is a capable defender.

Hiku is becoming the Kiwis' fix it man. He deputized superbly for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in the 2014 Tri Nations campaign - so much so that the absence of the Roosters player wasn't really noticed - then covered centre with aplomb in the Anzac test this year when Dean Whare was injured. He'll provide great solidity and has good awareness on attack.

However the Kiwis lack a kicking game, with Lolohea the only long range kicker across the spine. That's an area that is sure to be targeted by Leeds and England, given the importance of territory in the heavier conditions.

The other vacancy is in the back line, with Jordan Kahu stealing a march on Gerald Beale and Curtis Rona to win the centre spot alongside Whare.

The rest of the team almost picks itself; Martin Taupau takes over the No13 jersey with Jason Taumalolo and Simon Mannering both unavailable while Ben Matulino shaded Adam Blair for the starting front row position alongside Jesse Bromwich.

Roosters back rower Sio Siua Taukeiaho will get his first taste at this level off the bench, with Broncos youngster Kodi Nikorima providing cover at hooker and in the halves.

The Kiwis game plan will be brutally simple. They'll rely on their formidable pack to provide momentum and bust holes in the Leeds line, with Tuivasa-Sheck and Lolohea running off the big men. Shaun Kenny-Dowall provides an aerial option off wide.

It's a solid strategy but will be challenged, especially in the test matches, if the Kiwis don't complete their sets well and spend too much time in their own half.

The NZ Kiwis line-up for their game against Leeds Rhinos, scheduled for 8pm Friday (8am Saturday NZ) is:

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2. Jason Nightigale, 3. Jordan Kahu, 4. Dean Whare, 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 6. Peta Hiku, 7. Tuimoala Lolohea, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Isaac Luke, 10. Ben Matulino, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. Tohu Harris, 13. Martin Taupau, 14. Kodi Nikorima, 15. Adam Blair, 16. Sam Moa, 17. Sio Siua Taukeiaho, 18. Alex Glenn, 19. Gerard Beale, 20. Lewis Brown.

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