Kiwis name four newcomers for VB Test
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NZRL NRL.com Sun, Apr 15, 2012 - 5:51 PM
Benji Marshall will lead a new look Kiwis side against the Kangaroos this Friday Copyright: SWPix.com / Gillette
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The selection of four newcomers, and the return of three players who missed last years Four Nations campaign, feature in the Kiwis squad named today to face the Kangaroos in the VB Test at Eden Park on April 20.
Those returning to the Kiwis are Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Frank Pritchard and Manu Vatuvei, while there will be plenty of interest in seeing Jesse Bromwich, Josh Hoffman, Shaun Johnson and Jason Taumalolo in the Kiwis for the first time.
The Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney has an experienced team with 237 caps between them. But the new guys bring a special element to this match, as does the pairing, for the first time ever, of Shaun Johnson and Benji Marshall in the halves.
Shaun is one of the best attacking talents in the game, says Stephen, and were looking forward to seeing him combine with Benji.
Joining Shaun Johnson as a likely debutant in the backs is Josh Hoffman.
Josh was very close to making the team last year before getting injured, says Stephen. He has been superb at the back for the Broncos this year and hell bring some real firepower to the squad.
The new members in the forwards have been leading the way for two of the form teams of the NRL competition.
I worked with Jesse at the Storm and he has continued to develop into an outstanding professional. And you couldnt resist the form of Jason. Hes one of the most dynamic athletes in the NRL and were delighted to have him in the Kiwis squad. It should really help his development.
The Kiwis will be captained by Benji Marshall in his 26th Test.
The VB Test kicks-off at 8.15pm on Friday, April 20, at Eden Park. The curtain-raiser is between Otahuhu College and St Pauls College (6.05pm KO). Tickets are on sale now through Ticketek and selected Mad Butcher stores.
KIWIS SQUAD 2012 VB TEST
Player
Club
Gerard Beale
Brisbane Broncos
Adam Blair
Wests Tigers
Jesse Bromwich
Melbourne Storm
Nathan Fien
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Alex Glenn
Brisbane Broncos
Josh Hoffman
Brisbane Broncos
Shaun Johnson
Warriors
Shaun Kenny-Dowall
Sydney Roosters
Issac Luke
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Simon Mannering
Warriors
Benji Marshall
Wests Tigers
Ben Matulino
Warriors
Sam McKendry
Penrith Panthers
Jason Nightingale
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Frank Pritchard
Canterbury Bulldogs
Jeremy Smith
Cronulla Sharks
Jason Taumalolo
North Queensland Cowboys
Manu Vatuvei
Warriors
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
Sydney Roosters
