Kiwis add Cowboys duo
09/14/2011 07:23:33 AM
Uncapped North Queensland youngsters James Tamou and Kalifa Faifai Loa have been added to the Kiwis' train-on squad in preparation for the end-of-year international programme.
The train-on squad is now up to 11 after the addition of prop Tamou and wing Faifai Loa, whose Cowboys side were knocked out in the first week of the NRL finals.
There were no inclusions from the other team ousted on the weekend, Newcastle. Centre Junior Sau was not considered due to a knee injury.
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.