Mannering & Blair Earn Kiwis Call-Ups

Warriors centre Simon Mannering and Melbourne Storm forward Adam Blair will make their debuts for the Kiwis this Saturday night.

Try-scoring sensation Mannering has been called up to play at lock while Blair has been named on the bench for the opening game of the Gillette Tri-Nations series against the Kangaroos at Mt Smart Stadium.

Kiwis coach Brian McClennan has also named two new faces in the backline for the clash.

Manly hardman Steve Matai will link up with Sydney Roosters flyer Iosia Soliola in the centres, Tame Tupou and Manu Vatuvei start on the wing while Brent Webb will once again take his spot at fullback.

Nigel Vagana will again play in the influential standoff position alongside star halfback Stacey Jones.

Skipper Ruben Wiki is joined in the front row by Roy Asotasi while young Wests Tigers utility Dene Halatau has been named at hooker.

Veterans David Kidwell and Tony Puletua will once again pair up second row.

McClennan has named an impressive bench with former captain Nathan Cayless joining Blair, Warrior Jerome Ropati and Penrith?s Frank Pritchard.

The Kiwis side to play the Kangaroos is:

1. Brent Webb

2. Tame Tupou

3. Iosia Soliola

4. Steve Matai

5. Manu Vatuvei

6. Nigel Vagana

7. Stacey Jones

8. Ruben Wiki (C)

9. Dene Halatau

10. Roy Asotasi

11. David Kidwell

12. Tony Puletua

13. Simon Mannering

14. Jerome Ropati

15. Nathan Cayless

16. Adam Blair

17. Frank Pritchard

Kick-off for Saturday night?s clash between the Kiwis and Kangaroos is at 8pm.