Kiwis coach Michael Maguire has named eight potential debutants and left out some experienced campaigners in his squad to face Mate Ma'a Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium later this month.
Maguire's gone for a blend of new blood and older heads in his wider 25-man group, with some notable omissions from the team that last played back in November 2019, when they beat Great Britain 23-8 at Christchurch.
There's no room for 32-test veteran Shaun Johnson, who's struggled for form with the Warriors in recent weeks, while longtime Kiwi half Kodi Nikorima has also been left out.
Manly Sea Eagles halfback Kieran Foran has been recalled, adding some test experience to the spine, alongside Melbourne Storm ace Jahrome Hughes and Sydney Roosters star Joseph Manu, who is expected to shift to fullback from his regular role in the centres.
Brisbane fullback Te Maire Martin's inclusion takes his remarkable comeback from a brain bleed to another level, with the 26-year-old rewarded for the key part he's played in Brisbane Broncos' recent form.
There's just one Warriors player named in the squad, with utility back Dallin Watene-Zelezniak the only inclusion from the NZ side.
Injury has forced veteran prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves out of contention, while Tohu Harris has been left out to ease his workload in returning from a long layoff for the Warriors.
Parramatta Eels half Dylan Brown will finally get his chance to don the black and white jersey, as one of the players who've made the breakthrough in the NRL since the Kiwis last played.
Cronulla Sharks star Ronaldo Mulitalo's another whose talent has shone through in the past two seasons, with the dual eligible winger pledging his allegiance to the Kiwi jersey.
Titans hooker Erin Clark, Panthers forwards Moses Leota and Scott Sorensen, Cowboys lock Griffin Neame, Eels utility Marata Niukore and Broncos second row Jordan Riki round off the potential debutants.
Storm stars Brandon Smith, Jesse and Kenny Bromwich, and Nelson Asofa-Solomona add to a fierce-looking forward pack.
The long-awaited return of the national side comes with a World Cup in England looming later this year, where the Kiwis will look to claim their second title.
"Some difficult decisions have had to be made, but it’s a positive sign of our depth in certain positions," Magurie explained.
"With the quality of Kiwi talent on display throughout the NRL, we are in a strong place as we look to build a solid foundation ahead of the Rugby League World Cup come October."
The multiple changes to the squad that last played at the end of 2019 reflects the new generation of Kiwi talent emerging across the NRL, Maguire added.
"This squad has an exciting mix of fresh talent and experienced Kiwis having some of their best seasons," he said.
"We have a strong spine of leaders throughout the group that play a crucial role in the team, especially with these new boys coming through."
"To finally return home after two years and play for your country in front of fans and whānau, this test will be special."
The Kiwis last faced Tonga in June 2019, when they won 34-14 at Mt Smart Stadium.
Kiwis squad: Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Jesse Bromwich, Kenneath Bromwich, Dylan Brown, Erin Clark, James Fisher-Harris, Kieran Foran, Peta Hiku, Jahrome Hughes, Moses Leota, Isaac Liu, Joseph Manu, Te Maire Martin, Ken Maumalo, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Griffin Neame, Briton Nikora, Marata Niukore, Isaiah Papali’i, Jordan Rapana, Jordan Riki, Brandon Smith, Scott Sorensen, Joseph Tapine, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
