Michael Maguire has announced his New Zealand squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships, with a number of big names included for the end-of-year tournament.
Two players from the premiership-winning Penrith Panthers side have been named to play for the Kiwis — prop duo James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota.
Despite a stellar top-four campaign, only one player from the Warriors — Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad — has been included. Notably, star halfback Shaun Johnson opted to withdraw his name from selection.
Maguire has also included seven potential debutants, with the likes of uncapped young guns Griffin Neame and Wiremu Greig both in contention for their first international appearance.
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Michael Maguire names 21-man squad for New Zealand Kiwis
The head coach is pleased to be able to inject some fresh blood into New Zealand's squad.
"It’s always a real thrill being able to bring new players into the Kiwi camp," Maguire said.
"It’s a special place and these men have earned the opportunity. They’ll benefit so much from being around players who have done the jersey proud.
"This series is exciting for the game in New Zealand and also a chance for us to start our journey to the next World Cup in 2025.”
New Zealand will begin their campaign against Toa Samoa in a Labour Weekend triple header at Eden Park on Saturday, October 21 before facing the Kangaroos in Melbourne a week later.
New Zealand Kiwis squad for Pacific Championships
| Player | Club |
| Nelson Asofa-Solomona | Melbourne Storm |
| Dylan Brown | Parramatta Eels |
| Fa'amanu Brown | Newcastle Knights |
| James Fisher-Harris | Penrith Panthers |
| Kieran Foran | Gold Coast Titans |
| Wiremu Greig | Parramatta Eels |
| Jahrome Hughes | Melbourne Storm |
| Jamayne Isaako | Dolphins |
| Keano Kini | Gold Coast Titans |
| Moses Leota | Penrith Panthers |
| Danny Levi | Canberra Raiders |
| Joseph Manu | Sydney Roosters |
| Ronaldo Mulitalo | Cronulla Sharks |
| Griffin Neame | North Queensland Cowboys |
| Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad | New Zealand Warriors |
| Briton Nikora | Cronulla Sharks |
| Isaiah Papali'i | Wests Tigers |
| Joseph Tapine | Canberra Raiders |
| Leo Thompson | Newcastle Knights |
| Matthew Timoko | Canberra Raiders |
| Naufahu Whyte | Sydney Roosters |