Debutants for opener

SYDNEY – Australia named four debutants Wednesday for this weekend’s rugby league World Cup opener against New Zealand, while their opponents recalled three players.

Winger Joel Monaghan, backrowers Anthony Laffranchi and Glenn Stewart and Manly forward Josh Perry were listed for Sunday’s Sydney Test as the Kangaroos begin their campaign to cement their status as the world’s top team. New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney brought back captain and prop Nathan Cayless, fullback Lance Hohaia and winger Manu Vatuvei into his side after they missed last weekend’s warm up Test against Tonga in Auckland.”In the end we didn’t want to take any risks with Nathan, Manu and Lance against Tonga,” said Kearney.Experienced utility back Dene Halatau has been named on the Kiwis’ bench after returning from a minor knee operation.”Now they’re right to go against Australia and Dene has also recovered well from his operation,” said Kearney.The only player unavailable for the key match due to injury is centre Iosia Soliola.Kearney has also made some positional changes, with Sam Perrett going from fullback to the wing and forward Sika Manu in the starting line-up while front rower Sam Rapira and forward Setaimata Sa move to the bench.Nampa-AFPNew Zealand coach Stephen Kearney brought back captain and prop Nathan Cayless, fullback Lance Hohaia and winger Manu Vatuvei into his side after they missed last weekend’s warm up Test against Tonga in Auckland.”In the end we didn’t want to take any risks with Nathan, Manu and Lance against Tonga,” said Kearney.Experienced utility back Dene Halatau has been named on the Kiwis’ bench after returning from a minor knee operation.”Now they’re right to go against Australia and Dene has also recovered well from his operation,” said Kearney.The only player unavailable for the key match due to injury is centre Iosia Soliola.Kearney has also made some positional changes, with Sam Perrett going from fullback to the wing and forward Sika Manu in the starting line-up while front rower Sam Rapira and forward Setaimata Sa move to the bench.Nampa-AFP