Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney has named five rookies in his team for Friday's Anzac rugby league test against the Kangaroos in Sydney.



Manly sensation Peta Hiku will start at fullback, Warriors utility Ben Henry has been handed the hooking duties and Penrith reserve-grader Isaac John will play at standoff in the absence of injured vice-captain Kieran Foran.



Two other rookies, Warriors hooker Siliva Havili and Tigers prop Martin Taupau, have been named on the four-man bench, while Melbourne Storm youngster Kenny Bromwich will be the 18th man.



Despite speculation that he would play in the halves, Melbourne utility Tohu Harris, who missed last year's World Cup in England after Sonny Bill Williams' belated decision to make himself available, will be on the bench.



"We've had a solid couple of days together and all the lads have really impressed me with their enthusiasm and energy," Kearney said.



"Kenny's been a big part of that and I'm sure he'll get his chance in the future.



"We're under no illusions about the task ahead of us. The Aussies are a world champion side and we will have to be on top of our game to match them.



"But we have confidence in our talent and there's definitely a spirit in this group that augurs well for this game and beyond."



The Kiwis will start as serious underdogs after Kearney was forced to field a squad without the likes of star hooker Issac Luke, Brisbane's Josh Hoffman and Foran because of injury.



KIWIS: Peta Hiku, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Dean Whare, Gerard Beale, Jason Nightingale, Isaac John, Shaun Johnson, Jesse Bromwich, Ben Henry, Sam Moa, Simon Mannering (c), Kevin Proctor, Adam Blair. Interchange: Siliva Havili, Martin Taupau, Greg Eastwood, Tohu Harris. 18th man: Kenny Bromwich.