New Zealand recall seven senior stars for Test series against England

Drew Darbyshire

New Zealand have recalled seven experienced players for the Test series against England this autumn.

Kiwis coach Michael Maguire has brought Shaun Johnson, Adam Blair, Gerard Beale, Kevin Proctor, Jordan Rapana and brothers Jesse and Kenny Bromwich.

NRL Grand Final winner Joseph Manu is one of five debutants called up to the squad, alongside Brandon Smith, Jahrome Hughes, Corey Harawira-Naera and Isaiah Papali’i.

Magurie said: “This is a new era for the Kiwis and that’s again reglected in the make-up of this squad as it was for the Denver Test.

“A lot of experience players have moved on in recent years in the shape of Simon Mannering, Tommy Leuluai, Manu Vatuvei, Jason Nightingale, Ben Matulino, Kieran Foran, Russell Packer and others.

“We’re also without Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Issac Luke, Tohu Harris and Nelson Asofa-Solomona this time while there have been a number of players who have aligned themselves with Tonga.

“For us, it’s really exciting bringing in these new players as we strive to take the national step to the place we want it to be.”

England’s squad will be announced on Tuesday, October 2.

New Zealand squad for 2018 Autumn Test series:

Leeson Ah Mau (St George Illawarra Dragons), Gerard Beale (New Zealnd Warriors), Adam Blair (New Zealand Warriors), Jesse Bromwich (Melbourne Storm), Kenny Bromwich (Melbourne Storm), James Fisher-Harris (Penrith Panthers), Corey Harawira-Naera (Penrith Panthers), Jahrome Hughes (Melbourne Storm), Jamayne Isaako (Brisbane Bronvos), Shaun Johnson (New Zealand Warriors), Isaac Liu (Sydney Roosters), Joseph Manu (Sydney Roosters), Esan Marsters (Wests Tigers), Ken Maumalo (New Zealand Warriors), Kodi Nikorima (Brisbane Broncos), Isaiah Papali’i (New Zealand Warriors), Kevin Proctor (Gold Coast Titans), Jordan Rapana (Canberra Raiders), Brandon Smith (Melbourne Storm), Joseph Tapine (Canberra Raiders), Martin Tapau (Manly Sea Eagles), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Sydney Roosters), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Penrith Panthers).

International England