In a shock decision, Kiwis coach, Michael Maguire, has named 23-year-old Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, as captain ahead of Saturday night’s trans-Tasman Test.

Bridget Nagel reports.

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The Kangaroos flew out of Brisbane late Tuesday morning.

There will be a number of new players on the field including James Tedesco, Daly Cherry-Evans and Damien Cook.

Players have faith, coach Mal Meninga’s choices will best suit the conditions at Mt Smart Stadium.

Josh McGuire, Kangaroos Forward: “Mal has an idea of what kind of players that he likes and what suits, you know, his kind of style football and you know, never take an Australian jersey for granted.”

Over the past decade, the Kiwis have had to tackle the fearsome four – Smith, Kronk, Slater and Thurston.

Now, with fresh Kangaroo faces.

And “across the Ditch” a young captain leading a team with senior, more experienced players.

The Test rivalry enters a new era.

Bridget Nagel, QUT News.