New Zealand has named a strong squad to take on Tonga in the Oceania Cup Test.

Kiwi veteran Benji Marshall has been selected in the squad which would see him return to the national side for the first time in seven years.

Coach Michael Maguire will reduce the squad to 19 on Sunday after the round of NRL is completed.

"We're really pleased with the quality and form of the players we've been able to select," Maguire said to NRL.com.

"Nearly all of them have come through the Test we had against England in Denver last year and the matches against Australia and England later in the year. As a group we made a lot of progress and now it's all about building on that.

"This Test against Tonga at Mount Smart is going to be a huge occasion and we can't wait to be part of it.

"It kicks off what is a tremendous year for the international game with the introduction of the Oceania Cup competition, the Downer Rugby League World Cup Nines and our series against the Great Britain Rugby League Lions."

New Zealand Kiwis squad

Leeson Ah Mau (Warriors)
Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Storm)
Jesse Bromwich (Storm)
Kenneath Bromwich (Storm)
James Fisher-Harris (Panthers)
Kieran Foran (Bulldogs)
Jahrome Hughes (Storm)
Jamayne Isaako (Broncos)
Shaun Johnson (Sharks)
Isaac Liu (Roosters)
Issac Luke (Warriors)
Joseph Manu (Roosters)
Benji Marshall (Wests Tigers)
Esan Marsters (Wests Tigers)
Ken Maumalo (Warriors)
Briton Nikora (Sharks)
Kodi Nikorima (Warriors)
Agnatius Paasi (Warriors)
Isaiah Papaliโ€™i (Warriors)
Jordan Rapana (Raiders)
Brandon Smith (Storm)
Joseph Tapine (Raiders)
Martin Taupau (Sea Eagles)
Zane Tetevano (Roosters)
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Warriors)
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Roosters)
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Bulldogs)

4 COMMENTS

  1. 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
    2. Ken Maumalo
    3. Esan Masters
    4. Joseph Manu
    5. Jordan Rapana
    6. Kerian Foran
    7. Shaun Johnson/Kodi Nikorima (if it)
    8. Jesse Bromwhich
    9. Brandon Smith
    10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
    11. Jospeh Tapine
    12. James Fisher-Harris
    13. Martin Taupau

    14. Benji Marshall/Kodi Nikorima
    15. Issac Liu
    16. Jared Weara-Hargreaves
    17. Kenneth Bromwhich

    18. Benji Marshall/Kodi Nikorima
    19. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
    20. Jahrome Hughes
    21. Briton Nikora

    Even with the likes of Taumalolo, Fusitua, Maโ€™u and Fonua-Blake all leaving the kiwis, we still have a very strong side and lots of depth within the squad. Just look at the players not included Tohu Harris, Te Marie Martin, Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad, Kevin Proctor, Dean Whare and Alex Glenn to name a few. Think we definitely have the advantage of Tonga with our halves and kicking game. Roger, Ken and Rapana are some of the best metres makers early in the set so thatโ€™ll help. Kiwis by 4

  2. They have named 27, because by the end of the week 10 of them will have withdrawn will mysterious injuries or commitments. Kiwis in the NRL never seem too keen on representing their country.

  3. I agree with you Woody. With all of those rep players they are doing a mighty job for your beloved team the Roosters so much that even with the bye they are still behind my beloved team the Rabbitohs..

    Keep up the good work and keep on demonstrating that you don’t need a long neck to be a goose.

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