New Zealand Cricket has axed four players from its list of 20 players offered contracts for the 2010-11 season.
Otago pair Neil Broom and Ian Butler, Northern Districts batsman Daniel Flynn and Wellington all-rounder James Franklin were all cut from those who secured contracts last year.
In their places step spin-bowling all-rounder Nathan McCullum, Wellington seamer Andy McKay and the rising talents of B.J. Watling and Kane Williamson.
Scott Styris has revived his career after missing out last year and Daryl Tuffey remains on the list after being reinstated following the retirement of Iain O'Brien.
Veteran Test paceman Chris Martin, 35, is possibly one to count himself lucky after two average showing against Australia in March.
Twenty-five players were considered for contracts. Each are ranked based on their involvement and ability across all three formats (Tests, one-day internationals and Twenty20s).
New Zealand coach Mark Greatbatch was particularly excited about the prospects of Williamson.
"Kane Williamson is a young player whose pedigree is impeccable in terms of cricket development and we are now confident that he can step into the international arena and further advance his game," Greatbatch said on Tuesday.
"Nathan, Andy and B.J. have all made important contributions to New Zealand teams over the past 12 months without having contracts."
"They have now earned their positions within the contracted players list."
Players who missed out can play their way back into the national side through domestic performances, Greatbatch said.
Negotiations towards a new Master Agreement between New Zealand Cricket, the New Zealand Cricket Players' Association and the six provinces are still ongoing but progressing well.
The parties have agreed in good faith to put in place an interim contracting arrangement for those players being offered contracts this year. These players will operate under the terms and conditions of the previous Master Agreement until August 31, 2010, or the ratification of a new Master Agreement, whichever is the sooner.
The contracted players for 2010-11 are:Brent Arnel, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Gareth Hopkins, Chris Martin, Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum, Tim McIntosh, Andy McKay, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Scott Styris, Ross Taylor, Daryl Tuffey, Daniel Vettori, B.J. Watling, Kane Williamson