Seven uncapped players in New Zealand squad for Denver Test

Drew Darbyshire

Michael Maguire could hand seven debuts out in New Zealand’s Test against England in Denver.

The Kiwis face the Lions in Denver on Saturday in what will be Maguire’s first game in charge as New Zealand boss.

Ken Maumalo, Jamayne Isaako, Esan Marsters, Leeson Ah Mau, Herman Ese’ese, Slade Griffin and Raymond Faitala-Mariner could all make their New Zealand debuts.

Ah Mau, Maumalo, Ese’ese and Faitala-Mariner have previously represented Samoa, while Marsters has played for Cook Islands.

Maguire has also named several experienced players though, including Issac Luke, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Marty Taupau and Peta Hiku.

Maguire is looking forward to playing in Colorado.

He said: “I’m excited for each of them and for everyone included for the first major rugby league international ever played in the United States.

“We have a group of players here who have all been in great form so far this season and totally deserve this chance.

“What has really struck home is just how passionate the players have been when talking to them about playing for the Kiwis and about this Test. They’re busting to be involved.

“It’s also hugely exciting on a personal level to not only be involved in coaching again but to have the privilege of doing so with New Zealand.”

New Zealand 19-man squad for Denver Test:

Leeson Ah Mau (St George Illawarra Dragons)

Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Melbourne Storm)

Herman Ese’ese (Newcastle Knights)

Raymond Faitala-Mariner (Canterbury Bulldogs)

James Fisher-Harris (Penrith Panthers)

Slade Griffin (Newcastle Knights)

Peta Hiku (New Zealand Warriors)

Jamayne Isaako (Brisbane Broncos)

Jordan Kahu (Brisbane Broncos)

Isaac Liu (Sydney Roosters)

Issac Luke (New Zealand Warriors)

Te Maire Martin (North Queensland Cowboys)

Esan Marsters (Wests Tigers)

Ken Maumalo (New Zealand Warriors)

Kodi Nikorima (Brisbane Broncos)

Joseph Tapine (Canberra Raiders)

Marty Taupau (Manly Sea Eagles)

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Sydney Roosters)

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Penrith Panthers)