Kiwi veteran axed for in-form half as returned Bronco makes cut

The New Zealand Kiwis have confirmed their squad for the June 25 Test against Tonga, with Shaun Johnson sensationally axed.

Johnson has struggled for form at the Warriors to begin the 2022 season following his switch back to the club from the Cronulla Sharks.

The veteran half, who has played 217 NRL games and 32 Tests for New Zealand since making his debut for the nation in 2012, has clung onto his spot in the Warriors' team, but there are plenty of suggestions he may not without an improvement in form.

In his place will be Parramatta Eels' in-form five-eighth Dylan Brown, who will be in contention for the NRL's most improved player award this year.

After bursting onto the scene, he had a quiet 2021 in blue and gold colours, only to recapture his best form this season.

While the Kiwis haven't confirmed their team in numerical order as Tonga did today for the June 25 clash, it's tipped he will partner stalwart Jahrome Hughes in the halves.

Kieran Foran has also been included in the squad alongside a host of other potential debutants in Ronaldo Mulitalo, Moses Leota, Scott Sorensen, Marata Niukore, Erin Clark, Griffin Neame and Jordan Riki.

In the NRL's best news story, Te Maire Martin, who signed a development deal with the Broncos at the start of the year to return to the NRL after previously medically retiring, has also been included in the squad.

Other stalwarts of the side including Kenneath Bromwich, Jesse Bromwich, James Fisher-Harris, Isaac Liu, Joseph Manu, Briton Nikora, Jordan Rapana, Joseph Tapine and Brandon Smith have also been included.

Intriguingly, the only New Zealand Warriors' player to make the cut is Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.