South Sydney Rabbitohs hooker Issac Luke has been named in New Zealand’s squad to face Samoa on Saturday after serving a suspension that also saw him miss the NRL Grand Final at the start of October.
The 27-year-old, who is recognised as one of the world’s finest hookers, replaces former Wigan half Thomas Leuluai in the squad.
Other changes to Stephen Kearney’s side include former Samoa prop Suaia Matagi replacing Greg Eastwood and Manu Vatuvei taking Gerard Beale’s place on the wing.
New Zealand side to face Samoa
1 Peta Hiku
2Jason Nightingale
3 Dean Whare
4 Shaun Kenny-Dowall
5 Manu Vatuvei
6 Kieran Foran
7 Shaun Johnson
8 Jesse Bromwich
9 Issac Luke
10 Adam Blair
11 Simon Mannering
12 Kevin Proctor
13 Jason Taumalolo
Substitutes
14 Lewis Brown
15 Suaia Matagi
16 Martin Taupau
17 Tohu Harris
