N Zealand v Australia: Teams
Thomas Leuluai has been named on New Zealand's bench for Friday's Four Nations opener against Australia.
Last Updated: 28/10/11 2:48pm
Thomas Leuluai has been called into New Zealand's team for Friday's opening Gillette Four Nations clash with Australia.
The Wigan half-back or hooker, who will start the game at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on the bench, did not link up with the Kiwis until they arrived in England last weekend.
He is one of two changes from the side that lost 42-6 to the Kangaroos in Newcastle 10 days ago, the other seeing New Zealand Warriors prop Ben Matulino replace the suspended Russell Packer.
Issac Luke starts at hooker in place of Nathan Fien, while head coach Stephen Kearney has made one positional switch.
Melbourne second rower Sika Manu has been brought into the starting line-up, meaning Alex Glenn - who made his international debut in the last meeting of the two trans-Tasman rivals - is selected amongst the replacements.
Something different
Kearney is sure Leuluai can offer his team "something different".
He said: "I thought Issac Luke was one of the stronger performers last time and it was difficult not to give him a starting spot.
"I think over the last few years he has come off the bench for us so that was an easy decision.
"And I thought with Thomas, I have watched him this year, and he adds something different to the group.
"Issac will be on but I think Thomas will come on for a spell and be just as effective."
Australia, meanwhile, will field an unchanged team in the tournament opener against the reigning champions.
Coach Tim Sheens has opted not to risk fit-again centre Greg Inglis, keeping him back for the game against England at Wembley on Saturday week.
New Zealand: K Locke; K Faifai Loa (North Queensland), L Brown (NZ Warriors), G Beale (Brisbane), J Nightingale (St George Illawarra); B Marshall (Wests Tigers, capt), K Foran (Manly); B Matulino, Issac Luke (South Sydney), S McKendry (Penrith), S Manu (Melbourne), S Mannering (NZ Warriors), J Smith (Cronulla).
Interchange: T Leuluai (Wigan), F Moimoi (Parramatta), A Glenn (Brisbane), J Waerea-Hargreaves (Sydney Roosters).
Australia: B Slater (Melbourne), A Uate (Newcastle), W Tonga (North Queensland), C Lawrence (Wests Tigers), D Boyd (St George Illawarra); D Lockyer (Brisbane, capt), J Thurston (North Queensland); P Gallen (Cronulla), C Smith (Melbourne), M Scott (North Queensland), L Lewis (Penrith), S Thaiday (Brisbane), A Watmough (Manly).
Interchange: C Cronk (Melbourne), K Galloway (Wests Tigers), D Shillington (Canberra), T Williams (Manly).
