Two More Players Added To Kiwis' Train-On Squad

Two More Players Added To Kiwis' Train-On Squad

Auckland, New Zealand, September 14, 2011 –

North Queensland’s James Tamou and Kalifa Faifai Loa have been added to the national train-on squad to prepare for the Kiwis’ end of season international programme in October-November.

The addition of prop Tamou and winger Faifai Loa follows the naming of nine players by national selectors Howie Tamati (convener), Stephen Kearney, Tony Iro and Tawera Nikau last week.

Tamou played for the New Zealand Maori in their draw against England last year while Faifai Loa was named in the NYC Team of the Year when he was with the St George Illawarra Dragons last season.

The latest selections follow the elimination of the Cowboys and Newcastle from the NRL finals race.

None of the Knights’ New Zealand-eligible players were included. Junior Sa’u, who played nine Tests in 2009-2010, wasn’t considered due to injury (knee).

The Kiwis assemble soon after the NRL grand final to travel to Rarotonga to play a one-off Test against the Cook Islands on Thursday, October 6. The Sir Peter Leitch QSM Challenge Trophy will be at stake in the first Test the Kiwis have ever played in the Cook Islands.

They then fly to Sydney en route to Newcastle for the Bill Kelly Cup Trans-Tasman Test against the Kangaroos at Ausgrid Stadium on October 16 before heading to the United Kingdom for the 2011 Four Nations. The World Cup holders and 2010 Four Nations champions meet Australia in Warrington on October 28, Wales at Wembley in London on November 5 and England in Hull on November 12. The top two sides in the competition clash in the final at Elland Road in Leeds on November 19.

2011 KIWIS – TRAIN-ON SQUAD

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs: Frank Pritchard.

Canberra Raiders: Bronson Harrison, Josh Papalii.

Cronulla Sharks: Jeremy Smith.

North Queensland: Kalifa Faifai Loa, James Tamou.

Parramatta Eels: Fuifui Moimoi.

Penrith Panthers: Sam McKendry.

South Sydney Rabbitohs: Issac Luke.

Sydney Roosters: Sam Perrett, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.

2011 KIWIS – TOUR SCHEDULE

October 6 v Cook Islands, National Stadium, Rarotonga (Sir Peter Leitch QSM Challenge Trophy)

October 16 v Australia, Ausgrid Stadium, Newcastle (Bill Kelly Cup)

October 28 v Australia, Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington (Four Nations)

November 5 v Wales, Wembley Stadium, London (Four Nations)

November 12 v England, KC Stadium, Hull (Four Nations)

November 19 Four Nations Final, Elland Road, Leeds

ends

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