Versatile Newcastle star Phoenix Crossland is the latest Knight to earn an international call-up for the Pacific Championships.
The hard-working utility, who filled in at hooker and halfback for Adam O’Brien’s side during the 2024 NRL season, was named in a heavily-depleted New Zealand squad for the first time.
He follows in the footsteps of teammate Bradman Best, called into Mal Meninga’s Australian Kangaroos, and club colleagues Tamika Upton, Yasmin Clydsdale and Olivia Higgins, who’ll represent the Jillaroos.
Newcastle prop Leo Thompson also retained his place in the New Zealand outfit, as did Abigail Roache and Shanice Parker for the women’s event.
Penrith duo Trent Toelau and Casey McLean were the surprise inclusions in Stacey Jones’ Kiwis camp, with the pair boasting just 16 games of NRL experience between them.
The uncapped Panthers have spent most of the year playing in the NSW Cup.
They are joined in a fresh-looking New Zealand set-up by six further debutants, including Crossland, Gold Coast Titans livewire Keano Kini and Melbourne’s former sevens international Will Warbrick.
Unfortunately, the likes of Dylan Brown, Kieran Foran, Moses Leota, Brandon Smith, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Briton Nikora and Jeremy Marshall-King are all unavailable due to injury.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona is suspended, while former Sydney Roosters centre Joey Manu has recently switched codes to take up a deal in Japanese rugby union.
Retiring Warriors playmaker Shaun Johnson could not be convinced to finish his career with an international call-up.
Jones turned to versatile back Peta Hiku to compensate for his player shortage after an impressive season in the Super League with Hull KR.
He’s the first Kiwi call-up from England since 2017.
“While we’ve had a number of players ruled out through injury or unavailability, it’s a hugely exciting opportunity having the boys playing at home in front of our fans again,” Jones said.
“We’ve still got a solid core of last year’s squad.
“But, the way I see it, it’s a fantastic chance for us to build the group to provide lots of options and depth for following campaigns.”
Warriors-bound Penrith prop James Fisher-Harris will captain the side again after his exploits in their 30-0 defeat of Australia to claim last year’s Pacific Championships helped him become the first forward to win the Golden Boot.
Dally M Medal winner Jahrome Hughes has been selected and looks set to partner Kodi Nikorima in the halves after the Dolphins playmaker was recalled to the New Zealand side.
The Kiwis will face Australia in their first game of the tournament in Christchurch on 27 October, before meeting Tonga on 2 November in Auckland.
- New Zealand squad: Erin Clark*, Phoenix Crossland*, James Fisher-Harris (c), 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 Sorensen, Joseph Tapine, Leo Thompson, Matt Timoko, Trent Toelau*, Will Warbrick*, Naufahu Whyte*
* Denotes uncapped
- With AAP
For more sports stories:
- NRL: Knights’ Best gets call up as Tedesco dropped from Kangaroos
- NRLW: Knights star Higgins in line for Jillaroos debut
- Former Knight Oryn Keeley stars as Devils break QLD’s State Champs drought
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