The Kiwis have named five potential debutants in their 24-man squad for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Adam Fonua-Blake, Danny Levi, Issac Liu, and Brad Takairangi will all make their first forays into international league.
Barnstorming North Queensland Cowboys forward Jason Taumalolo earlier delivered a body blow to the Kiwis' hopes by confirming he will play for Tonga.
They have lost more players to Tonga, with Parramatta forward Manu Ma'u, Warriors' winger David Fusitu'a and Roosters' prop Sio Siua Taukeiaho all confirming on Thursday their switch to the island nation.
Veteran hooker Issac Luke is the most notable omission, his place in the squad taken by newcomer Danny Levi of the Newcastle Knights.
"That was a tough one," said Kidwell of the decision to leave Luke out.
"We decided a bit of inconsistent form there this year, and we've gone with the youg fella, Danny Levi.
"He's played consistently for Newcastle, and we've gone with some youth there."
Kidwell insisted that despite the absence of some key players, including the likes of Kieran Foran, Jesse Bromwich, and Kevin Proctor, the squad still has enough quality to bring the cup back to Aotearoa.
"We definitely think we're genuine contenders...major contenders."
The former Kiwis player admitted there would be some adjustment required to the style of play the team would adopt given Taumalolo's late withdrawl, but it would be minimal.
Taumalolo was set to be the centrepiece of a fresh tactical approach for the side.
"I'm working closely with Brian Smith...it won't change our style, there will just be different personnel in there using that style.
"I've expressed that to everyone in that 24-man squad, that we're going to play a different style, a Kiwis style of football."
New Zealand open their campaign on October 28 against Samoa in Auckland.
New Zealand: Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Gerard Beale, Adam Blair (capt), Kenny Bromwich, Addin Fonua-Blake, Peta Hiku, Shaun Johnson, Thomas Leuluai, Danny Levi, Isaac Liu, Simon Mannering, Te Maire Martin, Jason Nightingale, Kodi Nikorima, Russell Packer, Jordan Rapana, Brad Takairangi, Joseph Tapine, Martin Taupau, Elijah Taylor, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Jared Warea-Hargreaves, Dallin Watane-Zelezniak, Dean Whare.
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