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Kiwis include four new faces in squad to face Kangaroos

Four newcomers have been named in the New Zealand rugby league squad to play Australia in a one-off Test in Brisbane on Friday.

No British-based New Zealanders were named and coach Brian McClennan said he was unable to name a full strength squad at this time of year.

"It's not easy for us but this is very much the beginning of a project," he said.

Parramatta fullback Krisnan Inu was the most surprising choice, having only recently made his debut in the National Rugby League competition.

debutants

He joins three other debutants, Greg Eastwood, Sam Rapira and Evarn Tuimavave in the 19-man squad named yesterday.

Inu takes the place of regular fullback Brent Webb of Leeds who was unavailable because of the birth of his first child.

Others missing from the side who lost narrowly to the Kangaroos in the Tri-Nations final last November are captain Ruben Wiki and Nigel Vagana, who have both retired, and the unavailable halfback Stacey Jones.

Shontayne Hape, Steve Matai, David Kidwell and Adam Blair were unavailable through injury and Motu Tony was not picked.

returning stars

On the plus side is the return of stars Benji Marshall and Sonny Bill Williams, who both missed last year's Tri-Nations tournament due to injury.

The final Test team and captain will be named today.

New Zealand squad

Backs: Krisnan Inu (Parramatta), Manu Vatuvei (NZ Warriors), Paul Whaturia (Wests Tigers), Iosia Soliola (Sydney Roosters), Jake Webster (Gold Coast), Benji Marshall (Tigers), Ben Roberts (Canterbury Bulldogs).

Forwards: Roy Asotasi (South Sydney), Dene Halatau (Tigers), David Faiumu (North Queensland), Nathan Cayless (Parramatta), Sam Rapira (Warriors), Evarn Tuimavave (Warriors), Simon Mannering (Warriors), Tony Puletua (Penrith), David Fa'alogo (Souths), Sonny Bill Williams (Bulldogs), Frank Pritchard (Penrith), Greg Eastwood (Brisbane).
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