Penrith Panthers star Dallin Watene-Zeleziak has been named to captain the Kiwis team against the Kangaroos on Saturday at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland.
The 23-year-old has been named at fullback for New Zealand's Test against Australia.
His great-grandfather Steve Watene was the first Māori to skipper the Kiwis in the 1930s.
Watene-Zelezniak said he was honoured to be named by coach Michael Maguire to lead the New Zealand team against World Cup champions Australia.
"I was really humbled when Madge (Maguire) offered me the chance to captain my country. It's a huge honour, especially following in my great grandfather's steps," said Watene-Zelezniak.
Maguire said the Panthers fullback was the right man for the job.
"Dallin lives the values we're looking for and embodies the new direction we're heading in with the Kiwis," said Maguire.
Sydney Roosters centre Joseph Manu and Melbourne Storm's Brandon Smith have been named in the starting team, set to make their debuts for the Kiwis.
The New Zealand team has several players who played in the Roosters and Storm NRL grand final.
Manu is named at centre, with Jared Waerea Hargreaves and Jesse Bromwich named in the front row.
Isaac Liu is named at second row with Kenny Bromwich named on the interchange bench.
Players who missed out on the Denver Test in June against England but are included in the starting side are Jordan Rapana, Shaun Johnson, Jesse Bromwich and Kevin Proctor.
Kiwis team: 1 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (c), 2 Ken Maumalo, 3 Esan Marsters, 4 Joseph Manu, 5 Jordan Rapana, 6 Shaun Johnson, 7 Kodi Nikorima, 8 Jesse Bromwich, 9 Brandon Smith, 10 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 11 Kevin Proctor, 12 Isaac Liu, 13 James Fisher-Harris.
Interchange: 14 Kenny Bromwich, 15 Leeson Ah Mau, 16 Martin Taupau, 17 Adam Blair, 18 Peta Hiku, 19 Jahrome Hughes.
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