LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
The latest update from the Cowboys website reveals that the Kiwis have named Griffin Neame for the upcoming Pacific Championships, and it's shaping up to be an exciting lineup with some fresh faces and seasoned players ready to take on Australia and Tonga.
Leading the pack is Golden Boot winner James Fisher-Harris, who has just come off a stellar fourth consecutive NRL grand final win with Penrith.
As the captain, he's looking to repeat the Kiwis' impressive 30-0 victory over the Kangaroos in last year's final.
Joining Fisher-Harris are familiar faces like Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Jamayne Isaako, and Matt Timoko, as well as Dally M Medal-winning Jahrome Hughes, Isaiah Papali'i, and Joseph Tapine.
The squad also includes newbies like Phoenix Crossland, Casey McLean, and Trent Toelau, who are eager to make their mark in the competition.
While some players like Jordan Riki and Naufahu Whyte have been in camp with the Kiwis for the past two years without debuting, there's a sense of anticipation around the newcomers breaking through this time around.
With Crossland's versatility in the halves or hooker position, McLean and Toelau's recent NRL debuts with the Panthers, the Kiwis are gearing up for an action-packed tournament filled with grit, determination, and of course, a touch of Aussie swagger.