Kiwis Tri Nations squad named
Wednesday, October 4, 2006 - 10:48 AM
New Zealand rugby league coach Brian McClennan has named five uncapped players in the Kiwis squad for the upcoming Tri Nations tournament against Australia and Great Britain.
The new caps are Melbourne Storm prop Adam Blair, New Zealand Warriors utility forward Epalahame Lauaki, plus centres Simon Mannering (Warriors), Steve Matai (Manly) and Isoia Soliola (Sydney Roosters).
Soliola was first selected for the Kiwis' Tri-Nations squad last year but had to withdraw due to a knee injury.
The Kiwis open the defence of their crown against the Kangaroos in Auckland on October 14.
They play the return match against Australia in Melbourne on October 21 and then have games against Great Britain in Christchurch (October 28) and Wellington (November 11).
New Zealand:
Roy Asotasi
Adam Blair
Jason Cayless
Nathan Cayless
David Fa'alogo
Awen Guttenbeil
Dene Halatau
Shontayne Hape
Stacey Jones
David Kidwell
Epalahame Lauaki
Simon Mannering
Steve Matai
Frank Pritchard
Tony Puletua
Jerome Ropati
Iosia Soliola
David Solomona
Motu Tony
Tame Tupou
Manu Vatuvei
Nigel Vagana
Brent Webb
Ruben Wiki (capt)
Source: AAP