Wigan scrum-half Thomas Leuluai has been named in New Zealand's 19-man squad for the first Test against Great Britain at Huddersfield on Saturday.
The 22-year-old former New Zealand Warriors and London Broncos half-back has been named in coach Gary Kemble's initial squad, along with Bradford three-quarters Shontayne Hape and Tame Tupou.
Kemble has dropped scrum-half Jeremy Smith and forward Jeff Lima from the side that lost 58-0 to Australia in Wellington last Sunday and included utility player Lance Hohaia, one of four players added to his original squad.
Leeds centre Clinton Toopi was the latest player to be called into the Kiwis' 24-strong party but he is not available for the opening game because of a pre-arranged trip back home.
"He's at the moment taking his family home," said Kemble. "It's just making sure they're comfortable. It's a long flight with the kids. He'll be available for the second Test."
Leuluai, who won the last of his eight caps in the 2006 Anzac Test against Australia in Brisbane, is likely to be given the chance to fill the gap caused by the retirement of Stacey Jones.
Jeremy Smith, not to be confused with the Melbourne forward of the same name, got first chance to stake a claim for Jones' number seven jersey but he has paid the price for New Zealand's record 11-try mauling by the Kangaroos.
Leuluai, whose father James is on the new backroom staff of the touring Kiwis, was happy to shelve plans for a holiday.
"I was going home for a rest," he said. "It's been a long season and a hard season but I think my form towards the end picked up.
"It's always an honour playing for the Kiwis and, if you get the opportunity, you are never going to say no.
"I never said no before even though I've been in worse form. I enjoy being here around my mates."
Tupou was also forced to cancel a flight after being handed a surprise call-up.
The former Brisbane winger, who played the last three months of the Super League season with the Bulls after being signed as a replacement for Lesley Vainikolo, had planned to join his girlfriend Emily in Hong Kong at the weekend.
"She's a personal trainer and teaches English in Hong Kong," he said. "I was going to catch up with her for two weeks and then come back and get into pre-season.
"She knows this is what I do and that it's what pays the bills. It's what I enjoy doing, especially playing for my country. I never expected even to get into the All Golds team.
"But it's all worth it. I'm happy to be here. It's great to go into camp. I just want to have a good week and have a good game and go from there."
Kemble's squad also includes loose forward Louis Anderson and centre Paul Whatuira, who will be playing in Super League in 2008 after agreeing deals with Warrington and Huddersfield respectively.
New Zealand's squad for the first Test against Great Britain at Huddersfield: L Anderson (Warrington), R Asotasi (South Sydney, capt), G Eastwood (Brisbane), D Faiumu (North Queensland), D Halatau (Wests Tigers), S Hape (Bradford), L Hohaia (NZ Warriors), E Lauaki, T Leuluai (Wigan), S Mannering (NZ Warriors), F Moimoi (Parramatta), S Perrett (Sydney Roosters), F Pritchard (Penrith), S Rapira, B Roberts (Canterbury), J Smith (Melbourne), T Tuiaki (Wests Tigers), T Tupou (Bradford), P Whatuira (Huddersfield).
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