Kiwis call on uncapped teen for test

New Zealand has included an uncapped teenager in its team for the upcoming rugby league internationals, including the one-off test against the Cook Islands.

Auckland-born Canberra Raider lock Josh Papalli has been named in the Kiwis representative line-up ahead of the teams end-of-season international tests against Australia, England, Wales and the Cook Islands.

The 19-year-old began his season in the under-20s Toyota Cup before being promoted into the Raiders senior squad.

By the end of the season, Papalli played 14 games for the Raiders and has now been capped an international rep.

The 103 kilogram forward was named in a partial squad announcement on Wednesday.

Joining him are Raiders teammate Bronson Harrison, Cronullas Jeremy Smith, Parramatta prop Fuifui Moimoi, Bulldogs Frank Pritchard, Penrith prop Sam McKendry, Rabbitohs hooker and the Roosters pair of Sam Perrett and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.

A groin injury ruled Sydney Roosters centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall out while Canterbury-Bankstown forward Greg Eastwood is sidelined with a wrist injury.

Roosters forward Frank-Paul Nuuausala is due to have off-season surgery.

More Kiwis will be named in the troop in the coming weeks as NRL teams are knocked out in the competitions finals series.

The Kiwis will play a one-off test against the Cook Islands in Rarotonga on October 6 before facing the Kangaroos in Newcastle 10 days later.

They then head to England to defend their Four Nations title and tests against Wales, England and Australia with the final played on November 19.