New Zealand captain Simon Mannering has been ruled out of the forthcoming three-Test series against England due to a gastric injury.
The 29-year-old, who has played 41 Tests, suffered the problem at the back end of the NRL campaign, but was still named in Stephen Kearney’s provisional Kiwis squad last month.
“We know Simon wants to be with us and this decision will be a huge blow for him, as it is for us,” Kearney said.
“But his long-term health is very important to us, especially with the Four Nations scheduled for next year and, of course, the next World Cup in New Zealand and Australia the following year.”
