New Zealand announce part of train-on squad

Six uncapped players have been named in New Zealand's initial train-on squad for November's rugby league internationals against England.

The Kiwis will face England in three Tests " matches in Hull and Wigan sandwiching a contest at London's Olympic Stadium.

Coach Stephen Kearney has announced an initial group of 15 players, all from teams who failed to make the NRL play-offs, with further names to be added once their domestic seasons have concluded.

New Zealand Warriors duo Tuimoala Lolohea and Solomone Kata, Manu Ma'u of the Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers pair Tim Simona and Manaia Cherrington are the rookies to have been selected, while Bodene Thompson of the Warriors will also hope to gain a first cap having been a non-playing member of New Zealand's Four Nations squad last year.

"In some positions, we would like to have some more depth, but we're pleased with the group we've picked already, considering we still have a fair few players still in the finals series, which is a positive for us," said Kearney.

Initial New Zealand train-on squad: Lewis Brown (Penrith Panthers), Manaia Cherrington (Wests Tigers), Kieran Foran (Manly Sea Eagles), Peta Hiku (Manly Sea Eagles), Solomone Kata (NZ Warriors), Tuimoala Lolohea (NZ Warriors), Simon Mannering (NZ Warriors), Ben Matulino (NZ Warriors), Manu Ma'u (Parramatta Eels), Sam McKendry (Penrith Panthers), Tim Simona (Wests Tigers), Martin Taupau (Wests Tigers), Elijah Taylor (Penrith Panthers), Bodene Thompson (NZ Warriors), Dean Whare (Penrith Panthers).