LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Penrith Panthers website has announced that a quartet of players from the team have been named for the Kiwis squad in the upcoming Pacific Championships, including some fresh talent and a seasoned leader.
Knights utility Phoenix Crossland and Panthers rookies Casey McLean and Trent Toelau are part of a group of eight debutants selected for the squad to take on Australia and Tonga in the upcoming tournament.
The Kiwis will be looking to build on their record-breaking victory over the Kangaroos in last year's final, led by Golden Boot winner James Fisher-Harris, who is no stranger to success after four consecutive NRL grand final wins with Penrith.
Joining Fisher-Harris in the squad are familiar faces like Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako, and Raiders centre Matt Timoko.
Dally M Medal-winning Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes will also be a key player to watch, along with back rowers Isaiah Papali'i and Joseph Tapine.
The bench will feature Knights' Leo Thompson and Cowboys' Griffin Neame.
Players like Broncos' Jordan Riki, Titans' Erin Clark, Storm's Will Warbrick, and Roosters' Naufahu Whyte have been part of the Kiwis setup in recent years and will be looking to make their Test debuts.
Newcomers Crossland, McLean, and Toelau will bring a fresh energy to the team, with their NRL debuts this season showing promise for the future.
As the Kiwis gear up for the Pacific Championships, fans can expect a mix of experience and youthful talent to take the field in what promises to be an exciting competition.