Auckland (3News) 07 October 2014 - Former Toa Samoa prop Suaia Matagi, 26, has been selected for the Kiwis in this year's Four Nation's campaign.
The Rabbitohs seized the day on their first grand final appearance since 1971, to fulfil their fairy tale destiny in front of an 83,833-strong ANZ Stadium crowd.
Souths dominated the opening half but had only six points to their name at the break thanks to an Alex Johnston four-pointer and Adam Reynolds penalty goal. Canterbury hit back in the second-half with a Tony Williams try but the comeback was short-lived, as a converted try to George Burgess and a second penalty restored the Rabbitohs lead before they stormed home with late scores to Kirisome Auva’a, Reynolds and Greg Inglis.
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However, Matagi’s selection is dependent on an eligibility transfer from Samoa.
Watene-Zelezniak, 19, impressed enough in 10 appearances for the Penrith Panthers to earn a spot in the 24-man squad to take on Australia, England and Samoa later this month.
Uncapped players North Queensland Cowboys second rower Jason Taumalolo, 21, Cronulla Sharks utility Sosaia Feki, 23, and Former
Warrior and Penrith Panthers utility Lewis Brown will also feature for the first time for the Kiwis since 2011, have also been selected.
Coach Stephen Kearney recalled Brown and named four rookies for his squad to contest the Four Nations over the next six weeks.
Taumololo has been a part of the Kiwis squad before, as a non-playing member in an Anzac Test in 2012.
"We're really excited for the new players coming in for their first time or, in Jason's case, another chance to earn his first cap," said Kearney.
"They've all had great seasons in the NRL, and this will be a chance for them to show they can step up and contribute at the next level.
"After our World Cup disappointment last year, I think we made some very positive strides at this year's Anzac Test. We get a few older heads back for this campaign - they will provide some experience, and hopefully will feed off the energy and passion from those younger guys”.
"We're very focused on building a team and culture that will see us challenge for the next Rugby League World Cup in 2017, so these new players now have a chance to become part of that long-term process”.
Feki and Matagi get their chances with the late withdrawals of Sydney Roosters players, winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
In a statement, New Zealand Rugby League said the pair had suffered "burnout from a long season".
Three other players named in the train-on squad also were ruled out of consideration due to injury; Warriors centre Konrad Hurrell, Warriors prop Ben Matulino and Panthers prop Sam McKendry.
The Kiwis open their campaign against Australia in Brisbane on October 25.
Kiwis Four Nations squad: Gerard Beale (St George Illawarra Dragons), Adam Blair (Wests Tigers), Jesse Bromwich (Melbourne Storm), Lewis Brown (Penrith Panthers), Greg Eastwood (Canterbury Bulldogs), Sosaia Feki (Cronulla Sharks),
Kieran Foran (Manly Sea Eagles), Tohu Harris (Melbourne Storm), Siliva Havili (Warriors), Peta Hiku (Manly Sea Eagles), Shaun Johnson (Warriors), Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Sydney Roosters), Thomas Leuluai (Warriors), Issac Luke (South
Sydney Rabbitohs), Simon Mannering (Warriors), Suaia Matagi (Warriors), Sam Moa (Sydney Roosters), Jason Nightingale (St George Illawarra Dragons), Kevin Proctor (Melbourne Storm), Jason Taumalolo (North Queensland Cowboys),
Martin Taupau (Wests Tigers), Manu Vatuvei (Warriors), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Penrith Panthers), Dean Whare (Penrith Panthers).
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