Incoming coach Stacey Jones has had to dig deep into his talent pool to name an NZ Kiwis squad to defend their Pacific Championship crown next month.
The former Kiwis star took over the reins from Michael Maguire, who left to coach New South Wales at State of Origin, but has since moved on to Brisbane Broncos in the NRL.
Maguire masterminded last year's record 30-0 whitewash of world champions Australia in the tournament final, but many of the stars of that performance are missing this time, with Jones offering international debuts to eight players, while recalling veteran Peta Hiku from the English Superleague, where he will contest the final with Hull Kingston Rovers next weekend.
The newcomers are hookers Erin Clark and Phoenix Crossland, fullback Keano Kini, centre Casey McLean, second-rower Jordan Riki, five-eighth Trent Toelau, winger Will Warbrick and lock Naufahu Whyte, who was part of last year's squad, but did not take the field.
Eight players have been named for international debuts. (Source: 1News)
"It's been a tough process, with obviously a lot of players from last year missing through injury and what not, but also exciting that we can widen our group of players," said Jones. "We've got quite a few debutants that have come into the group to become part of the Kiwis culture and connection that we've built over the last few years."
Others with dual eligibility have had to choose loyalties and opted for the Origin pathway — Melbourne Storm centre Jack Howarth played for the Kiwis 'A' team last year, but has changed direction.
"They're the tough ones for us, but totally understandable," admitted Jones. "It just opens a door for someone else that wants to be part of the Kiwis."
Under the circumstances, Jones admits he's relieved Dally M Medal winner Jahrome Hughes is available, after limping away from an NRL Grand Final defeat.
"Jahrome's had a tough 4-6 weeks of footy," he said. "Obviously, getting a Dally M and with a lot of pressure on him to perform in big games, he's done a really good job.
"Jahrome's hurting at the moment off the back of a Grand Final loss, but he's keen to get into the Kiwis space. He's a leader of ours, but he's a bit busted at the moment and we'll manage him as best we can."
Missing from last year's final are props Moses Leota and Nelson Asofa-Solomona, second-rower Briton Nikora, hooker Kieran Foran, five-eighth Dylan Brown, centre Joseph Manu and winger Ronaldo Mulitalo.
"It'll be extremely hard, even if we had all those players, to back it up," conceded Jones. "I just feel we've got enough there anyway — we've got some world-class players and I know what our strengths.
"It widens our group and puts pressure on players to perform and be part of the group. I'm confident in the squad we've got can do a job."
Kiwis squad: Erin Clark, Phoenix Crossland, James Fisher-Harris, 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 Sorenson, Joseph Tapine, Leo Thompson, Matt Timoko, Trent Toelau, William Warbrick, Naufahu Whyte
More to come
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