Experienced forward Adam Blair is set to return for New Zealand's must-win Test against England at Liverpool FC's Anfield stadium on Sunday.
The 32-year-old New Zealand Warriors prop was a late withdrawal from the team that lost 18-16 in last Saturday's first Test in Hull, but head coach Michael Maguire confirmed on Friday that he is back in contention after fully recovering from a minor knee injury.
"Adam has got through training well this week to put himself back in the frame for what is a critical match for us," said Australian Maguire.
"The players are all aware of the areas we need to improve in and they've put in the work this week to address where we need to be better.
"It's also going to be a special experience playing at such a great stadium like Anfield, one we're really looking forward to."
The return of Blair - for what will be his 47th cap - in place of second rower Joseph Tapine, who came in for him at the KCOM Stadium, is likely to be the only change, although Maguire gave little else away as the Kiwis announced a 19-man squad - laden with NRL talent - in alphabetical order.
New Zealand say Maguire will only confirm his line-up 90 minutes before kick-off, although he will be quizzed at the end of the traditional captain's run at Anfield on Saturday.
New Zealand squad: D Watene-Zelezniak (Penrith, capt), L Ah Mau (St George Illawarra), A Blair (NZ Warriors), J Bromwich, K Bromwich (both Melbourne), J Fisher-Harris (Penrith), J Hughes (Melbourne), S Johnson (NZ Warriors), I Liu (Sydney Roosters), J Manu (Sydney Roosters), E Marsters (Wests Tigers), K Maumalo (NZ Warriors), K Nikorima (Brisbane), K Proctor (Gold Coast), J Rapana (Canberra), B Smith (Melbourne), J Tapine (Canberra), M Taupau (Manly), J Waerea-Hargreaves (Sydney Roosters).
