The 2019 Junior Kiwis squad to face the Australian Schoolboys has today been named by the New Zealand Rugby League.

For the first time since 2007, the Junior Kiwis will play as an under-19 side as they face the under-18 Schoolboys.

Since 2010, both the Junior Kiwis and Kangaroos have played as under-20 based sides.

NZRL CEO Greg Peters said, “The Junior Kangaroos recently moved to an U23s structure as they are set to take on France U23s later in the year.”

“We are looking at re-introducing an U23s team next year, however in the meantime, giving our U19 Junior Kiwis a run against high-quality competition like the Australian School Boys is great for the development of our young players.”

Coached by Ezra Howe, the 25-man wider squad features three players with NRL experience (Dylan Brown, Spencer Leniu and Starford To’a).

They’ll face the Australian Schoolboys on Sunday, September 29 at Redcliffe’s Dolphin Stadium.

2019 Junior Kiwis squad

Bayleigh Bentley-Hape – Sydney Roosters

Dylan Brown – Parramatta Eels

Valance Harris – Parramatta Eels

Kayal Iro – Warriors

Temple Kelepo – Warriors

Asu Kepaoa – Sydney Roosters

Spencer Leniu – Penrith Panthers

Etuale Lui – Parramatta Eels

Christian Ma’anaima – Newcastle Knights

Sione Moala – Warriors

Griffin Neame – North Queensland Cowboys

Shalom O’Ofou – St. George Illawarra Dragons

Junior Pua – Warriors

Selestino Ravuataumada – Warriors

Jordan Riki – Brisbane Broncos

Simi Sasagi – Newcastle Knights

Ioane Seiuli – Gold Coast Titans

Tyler Slade – Warriors

Vito Tevaga – Cronulla Sharks

Matthew Timoko – Canberra Raiders

Starford To’a – Newcastle Knights

Emanuel Tuimavave-Gerard – Warriors

Christian Tuipulotu – Sydney Roosters

Paul Turner – Warriors

Isaiah Vagana – Warriors

Read more: https://nzrl.co.nz/under-19-junior-kiwis-fixture-confirmed/