Joseph Manu's outstanding form for the NRL winning Sydney Roosters hasn't gone unnoticed with the young centre being given his first Kiwis call-up by coach Michael Maguire.
Manu, 22, is one of five debutants named by coach Michael Maguire, while the disgraced duo of Kevin Proctor and former captain Jesse Bromwich make their returns.
Melbourne Storm duo Brandon Smith and Jahrome Hughes are given their first call-ups, while Warriors second rower Isaiah Papal'i and Penrith's Corey Harawira-Naera will also get their first taste of Test match rugby league.
However, a number of key players are missing, with Wariors stars Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Tohu Harris, Issac Luke as well as Storm prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona unavailable.
Coach Michael Maguire spoke of the need to build for the future, following the retirements of a number of key players.
"This is a new era for the Kiwis and that's again reflected in the make-up of this squad as it was for the Denver Test," said Maguire.
"For us it's really exciting bringing in these new players as we strive to take the national side to the place we want it to be. That starts with the Test against the Kangaroos.
"It's a huge opportunity for us and for the sporting public having the world champions in our own back yard."
The Kiwis are next in action against the Kangaroos at Mt Smart Stadium on October 13.
KIWIS SQUAD:
Leeson Ah Mau, Gerard Beale, Adam Blair, Jesse Bromwich, Kenneath Bromwich, James Fisher-Harris, Corey Harawira-Naera, Jahrome Hughes, Jamayne Isaako, Shaun Johnson, Issac Liu, Joseph Manu, Esan Marsters, Ken Maumalo, Kodi Nikorima, Isaiah Papali'i, Kevin Proctor, Jordan Rapana, Brandon Smith, Joseph Tapine, Martin Tapau, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
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