First time Kiwi’s coach Stacey Jones has named his inaugural squad for the upcoming Pacific Championship, naming 8 uncapped players and recalling two veterans.
Now four-time premiership winning prop and new Warriors signing James Fisher-Harris will captain the squad but his front-row partner Moses Leota will be one of 7 unavailable key players due to injury.
Peta Hiku, former Kiwis fullback in the 2014 four nations, has been recalled into the squad as a potential centre replacement for Joseph Manu who is off to rugby union.
Dolphins half Kodi Nikorima is back in the squad after a 5 year hiatus and will play his first game since 2019.
Scott Sorensen, who returned after an injury spell to star for Penrith in the grand final win over the Storm, has been declared available for the Kiwis.
The eight new recruits for the squad include star Melbourne Storm winger Will Warbrick, Knights hooker-halfback Phoenix Crossland, Warriors signing Erin Clark who covers hooker and loose forward, Brisbane Broncos second rower Jordan Riki, Roosters back rower Naufahu Whyte, Titans fullback Keano Kini, Panthers reserve backs Trent Toelau and Casey McLean.
The Kiwis Pacific Championship squad is:
Erin Clark, Phoenix Crossland, James Fisher-Harris (capt), Peta Hiku, Jahrome Hughes, Jamayne Isaako, Keano Kini, Casey McLean, Griffin Neame, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Kodi Nikorima, Marata Niukore, Isaiah Papali’i, Jordan Riki, Scott Sorensen, Joseph Tapine, Leo Thompson, Matt Timoko, Trent Toelau, Will Warbrick, Naufahu Whyte.
Photo Credit: Photosport, Andrew Cornaga
