Leuluai named in New Zealand squad
Wigan half-back Thomas Leuluai is the only Super League representative in New Zealand's 23-man squad for the one-off Test against Tonga next week and the Four Nations series in England and France.
Leeds full-back Brent Webb and Warrington back-rower Louis Anderson were omitted when the selectors trimmed a squad decimated by injuries and named seven uncapped players.
Wests Tigers stand-off Benji Marshall will captain a team lacking the experience of Roy Asotasi (knee), Simon Mannering (knee), Sam Rapira (chest), Jerome Ropati (shoulder), Zeb Taia (shoulder), Taniela Tuiaki (ankle), Manu Vatuvei (knee) and Sika Manu (ankle).
Among the players recalled are back-rower Frank Pritchard, who last played for the Kiwis in the Australian Rugby League's centenary Test in 2008 but missed the World Cup and the 2009 Anzac Test against Australia because of injury.
Prop Fuifui Moimoi made his Kiwis debut in 2007 and returns after a two-year absence on the back of his impressive form for beaten NRL grand finalists Parramatta.
Coach Stephen Kearney said the 2013 World Cup was a key factor in the selectors' decision to choose first-time Kiwis Kieran Foran, Bryson Goodwin, Kevin Locke, Ben Matulino, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Junior Sau and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
"It's hugely exciting to be able to pick so many young players who have so much potential to play a big part in the Kiwis' future," said Kearney.
"They've all made a real impact in the NRL this year, with all but one of them having had a taste of finals football either this season or last season."
Squad: Blair (Melbourne), Eastwood (Canterbury), Fien (St George Illawarra), Foran (Manly), Goodwin (Canterbury), Harrison (Canberra), Hohaia (NZ Warriors), Inu (Parramatta), Leuluai (Wigan), Lima (Melbourne), Locke (NZ Warriors), Luke (South Sydney), Marshall (Wests Tigers capt), Matai (Manly), Matulino (NZ Warriors), Moimoi (Parramatta), Nightingale (St George Illawarra), Nuuausala (Sydney Roosters), Perrett (Sydney Roosters), Pritchard (Penrith), Sau (Newcastle), Soliola (Sydney Roosters), Waerea-Hargreaves (Manly).
