New Zealand’s rugby league World Cup squad includes five debutants after the loss of Jason Taumalolo and other key players to Tonga.

Adam Blair will captain the Kiwis during the tournament and will count on the experience of fellow 2008 world champions Thomas Leuluai and Simon Mannering.

On Wednesday, North Queensland Cowboys lock Taumalolo delivered a body blow to the Kiwis’ hopes by confirming he will play for Tonga.

The Kiwis have lost more NRL players to Tonga with Parramatta forward Manu Ma’u, Warriors winger David Fusitu’a and Roosters prop Sio Siua Taukeiaho all named in the Polynesian nation’s squad on Thursday.

New Zealand’s debutants are Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Addin Fonua-Blake, Danny Levi, Isaac Liu and Brad Takairangi.

Kieran Foran, Tohu Harris, Jordan Kahu and Ben Matulino were not considered for because of injury.

New Zealand play their opening match of the tournament against Samoa in Auckland on October 28.

New Zealand squad: Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Gerard Beale, Adam Blair (capt), Kenny Bromwich, Addin Fonua-Blake, Peta Hiku, Shaun Johnson, Thomas Leuluai, Danny Levi, Isaac Liu, Simon Mannering, Te Maire Martin, Jason Nightingale, Kodi Nikorima, Russell Packer, Jordan Rapana, Brad Takairangi, Joseph Tapine, Martin Taupau, Elijah Taylor, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Jared Warea-Hargreaves, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Dean Whare.