Johnson among four to make Kiwis debut

Johnson has been selected for the Eden Park match following injury concerns with Manly playmaker Kieran Foran.

The 21-year-old has created a big impression since his NRL debut last year but wasn’t sure he would be in the Kiwis team this soon.

“You’ve got to aim high, and I don’t think it gets any higher than playing for your country,” Johnson said.

He played a big part in the Warriors’ 44-22 win over South Sydney on Sunday and hoped he could translate that form to Test level.

“Hopefully not too much has to change. I’ll be playing against players I play against week in, week out. I’ll keep it as simple as possible.”

Brisbane fullback Josh Hoffman, North Queensland second-rower Jason Taumalolo and Melbourne prop Jess Bromwich have also been included.

The selectors have yet to name a starting line-up.

Frank Pritchard was included after reaffirming his allegiance after a brief flirtation with Samoa.

New Zealand: Gerard Beale (Brisbane), Adam Blair (Wests Tigers), Jess Bromwich (Melbourne), Nathan Fien (St George-Illawarra), Alex Glenn (Brisbane), Josh Hoffman (Brisbane), Shaun Johnson (Warriors), Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Sydney Roosters), Issac Luke (South Sydney), Simon Mannering (Warriors), Benji Marshall (Wests Tigers, capt), Ben Matulino (Warriors), Sam McKendry (Penrith), Jason Nightingale (St George-Illawarra), Frank Pritchard (Canterbury), Jeremy Smith (Cronulla), Jason Taumalolo (North Queensland), Manu Vatuvei (Warriors), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Sydney Roosters).

Publisher: AAPNewswire

16 Apr 8:27 AM