Warriors skipper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has been ruled out of the end of year Kiwis test campaign.
The fullback is recovering from minor knee surgery after a medial ligament and meniscal injury suffered in the 27-12 loss to the Penrith Panthers earlier this month.
- Jared Waerea-Hargreaves' message to Roosters teammates
- Roosters star Cooper Cronk unlikely to play Grand Final
Kiwis coach Michael Maguire confirmed to Newshub that despite a promising recovery, the 25-year-old will not be available for tests against Australia and England in October and November.
"He is very excited about being part of the Kiwis setup moving forward," Maguire said.
"We have had a few conversations about where this team is going and obviously his character and leadership is something that I hold very high and carry into the values of this Kiwis team."
Tuivasa-Sheck's misfortune does provide an opportunity for Maguire to asses other fullback options.
One of those is Panthers fullback Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who had an outstanding final two months of the season after being shiftet to the back by interim coach Cameron Ciraldo.
Maguire said he expects Watne-Zelezniak to make a big impact if given the chance to fill Tuivasa-Sheck's boots.
"Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is playing some real good football and I look forward to him commanding that position when the time comes."
Maguire's first game in charge of the Kiwis resulted in a 36-18 loss to England in Denver in June.
The 2014 premiership winning coach only had a few days to prepare a young side lacking in experience due to injuries and suspension.
This time around Maguire will have over a week with the squad, and aside for Tuivasa-Sheck and potentially Issac Luke (shoulder), he should have a full squad to choose from.
Maguire told Newshub that he is looking forward to getting a better understanding of what makes his players tick.
"I think the fact that I will have the players for a decent preparation time allows me to get a bit more into the coaching side of things and get more of an understanding of the players' games," Maguire said.
"It's about moving forward with this group and build something and I get a good period of time with the group this time around to establish a strong group of core players that want to get that jersey back to the highest level and be world champions.
"The hunger is something that has really stood out to me these last few months among all the guys I have spoken too they all want to build something special within this Kiwis side."
The Kiwis play Australia at Mount Smart Stadium on October 13 before a three test tour of England to wrap up the international programme for the year.
Newshub.
