Auckland, New Zealand, October 7, 2018 – Experienced prop Jesse Bromwich and back rower James Fisher-Harris were exempted on compassionate grounds as the Kiwis packed in outfitting, a photoshoot, a media session and their first training run on Sunday in the build-up to Saturday’s Test against the Kangaroos at Mount Smart Stadium.

Bromwich has stayed in Melbourne to be with his wife Lezyola following the birth of the couple’s third son while Fisher-Harris remained in Sydney for his daughter’s christening.

Northland-raised Fisher-Harris was due to join the team late on Sunday night while Kiwis head coach Michael Maguire said Bromwich would arrive on Tuesday.

Brisbane duo Kodi Nikorima and Jamayne Isaako came into camp today arriving in time for the team photoshoot and field session. They attended the Broncos’ awards dinner last night where winger Isaako was named the club’s rookie of the year and also won the play of the year accolade (he was named the Dally M rookie of the year last month and also won the try of the year award).

Maguire and his assistants Ben Gardiner, Nathan Cayless and Stacey Jones had their first look at the side in this afternoon’s training session. There’ll be field and strength sessions at the Vodafone Warriors’ headquarters tomorrow while Maguire will reveal his line-up and also announce the Kiwis’ captain on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the Kiwis are in the gym in the morning before an opposed training run against the Junior Kiwis in the afternoon. That evening the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns and Junior Kiwis will have dinner together.

Saturday’s Test is the first between the Kiwis and the Kangaroos in Auckland since 2012 (when they met at Eden Park) and the first time they’ve clashed at Mount Smart Stadium since the 2006 Tri Nations encounter.

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Saturday, October 13

Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland

3.05pm | Junior Kiwis v Junior Kangaroos, 3.05pm

5.15pm | Kiwi Ferns v Jillaroos, 5.15pm

7.45pm | Kiwis v Kangaroos, 7.45pm