Warriors stay not impossible: Foran

Kieran Foran’s rugby league rehabilitation continues with his inclusion in the Kiwis Test side to face Australia in Canberra.

Foran has made 20 appearances for the country of his birth but none since the Anzac Day Test two years ago.

The classy 26-year-old five-eighth was unavailable last year for well-publicised personal issues, denying the Kiwis their proven halves combination alongside Shaun Johnson.

The Kiwis lost four times to Australia in 2016, but have won 12 of the 16 Tests when Foran and Johnson have started together.

The pair will play alongside Warriors teammates Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Issac Luke in the Kiwis’ spine.

Coach David Kidwell says the availability of another Warrior, former Test captain Simon Mannering, is invaluable alongside Foran and Tuivasa-Sheck.

“First of all, all three of them bring a lot of Mana (presence) to our group and that’s hugely important,” Kidwell said.

“Simon’s experience in any squad is invaluable, he’s been a leader in our side for a long time, so it’s fantastic to have him fit and ready.

“Kieran’s been playing some good footy this year and his combination with Shaun Johnson and Roger at the back is certainly benefiting from the more time they all spend together.”

Kidwell has named two uncapped players from the Melbourne Storm.

Powerhouse prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona was widely tipped for inclusion but unheralded hooker Brandon Smith is a bolter.

The 20-year-old is an understudy to Kangaroos skipper Cameron Smith at the Storm.

Brandon Smith is a former Junior Kiwi who is yet to make his first grade debut, having represented the Storm NYC team since shifting from the North Queensland Cowboys.

Another shock inclusion is St George Illawarra prop Russell Packer, whose only two Tests were six years ago.

Packer was sentenced to two years in jail in early 2014 for assault outside a nightclub, reduced to one year on appeal.

“Russell’s form speaks for itself,” Kidwell said.

“He was pretty delighted to get a call from me. Like anyone in life they have their ups and downs, and Russell’s been putting the hard yards in, and we just want him to do the same for the Kiwis.”

The surprise omissions are tough prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and fellow Sydney Rooster Shaun Kenny-Dowall.

There is also no room for Penrith half Te Maire Martin, veteran Dragons winger Jason Nightingale and second rowers Alex Glenn from Brisbane and and Sio Siua Taukeiaho from the Roosters.

Second rowers Tohu Harris and Manu Ma’u were unavailable with injury.

Kiwis: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Jordan Kahu, Jordan Rapana, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, David Fusitu’a, Dean Whare, Kieran Foran, Shaun Johnson, Kodi Nikorima, Jason Taumalolo, Simon Mannering, Kevin Proctor, Kenny Bromwich, Jesse Bromwich (capt), Adam Blair, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Martin Taupau, Russell Packer, Issac Luke, Brandon Smith.

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