A big blow to the team and the public with Dally M Medal-winning halfback Jahrome Hughes ruled out of the Kiwis' tests against Australia and Tonga in the Pacific Championship.
The 30-year-old Hughes was named in the 21-strong New Zealand squad on Tuesday around 48 hours after playing in Melbourne's 6-14 NRL grand final loss to Penrith.
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But NZ Warriors legend Shaun Johnson has answered the call for the injured Hughes.
Kiwis coach Stacey Jones indicated Hughes had been troubled by a neck injury, but it was hoped he would recover in time for the tests against the Kangaroos and Tonga and be at his peak on the field as well as a for promotion off the field.
However, after further medical assessment Hughes has been told he will not be fit to play.
"Jahrome is understandably shattered and we really feel for him," said Jones.
"He has had an outstanding year and he was going to play a key role for the Kiwis again. He was desperate to play and we thought, with some time on our side, he would come right with treatment - but he has since received medical advice that he won't be ready to play."
Johnson, 34, ended his 268-game NRL career with a match-winning display in the Warriors’ dramatic win over the Cronulla Sharks on August 31.
He had originally made himself unavailable for the Pacific Championships but the 32-test playmaker has answered the call from coach Jones.
The Kiwis’ opening test against Australia is in Christchurch on October 27.