Warriors centre Solomone Kata and Canberra winger Jordan Rapana have taken unlikely routes to the Kiwis jersey, but both demanded selection after standout NRL seasons this year. Kata and Rapana will make their New Zealand debuts on Saturday against Australia, the uncapped duo among seven changes to the side that lost 16-0 to the Kangaroos in May. But the rise of Kata and Rapana are the most compelling stories. Rapana made his NRL debut for the Titans in 2008, before leaving professional sport for a two year Mormon mission. Harris was part of the depleted New Zealand team beaten convincingly in May, but says the Kiwis haven't lost any belief.

Source: Otago Daily Times October 11, 2016 18:56 UTC