Kidwell, Hohaia omitted from NZ squad

David Kidwell and Lance Hohaia have been cut from the Kiwis squad to face the Kangaroos in the Centenary Test at the SCG on Friday.

Coach Stephen Kearney has confirmed his playing 17, with Souths forward Kidwell and NZ Warriors utility Hohaia the unlucky ones from the initial 19-man squad.

It means the Kiwis will field three Test debutants - St George-Illawarra winger Jason Nightingale, Sydney Roosters centre Setaimata Sa and Souths hooker Issac Luke.

Luke won the starting hooker's spot ahead of Wests Tigers' Dene Halatau who will start from the interchange bench.

Kearney opted for a back row trio of Sonny Bill Williams, Simon Mannering and David Fa'alogo, with a bench of Halatau, Jeremy Smith, Adam Blair and Frank Pritchard.

Fullback Brent Webb arrived from England last night and joined the team for training this morning.

Halfback Thomas Leuluai is scheduled to arrive from London tonight.

Kiwis: Brent Webb, Jason Nightingale, Setaimata Sa, Iosia Soliola, Sam Perrett, Ben Roberts, Thomas Leuluai, Roy Asotasi (captain), Issac Luke, Nathan Cayless, Sonny Bill Williams, Simon Mannering, David Fa'alogo. Interchange: Jeremy Smith, Dene Halatau, Adam Blair, Frank Pritchard.