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George Clarke

Johnson snubbed as Kiwis' RLWC squad named

Shaun Johnson (l) has missed out on a call-up to New Zealand's Rugby League World Cup squad. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Shaun Johnson's international career is nearing its end, with the experienced playmaker overlooked for Michael Maguire's Rugby League World Cup squad.

The 32-year-old's Test future was on shaky ground when he was not included in the side that played Tonga earlier this year and his form with the Warriors has cost him a seat on the plane.

Kieran Foran will assume the role of playing back-up to first-choice halves combination Dylan Brown and Jahrome Hughes.

The omission of the 32-cap Johnson means winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is the only Warriors player in the squad.

Elsewhere in Maguire's set-up there are debut caps on the line for Brisbane-born Canberra centre Seb Kris, Canterbury hooker Jeremy Marshall-King and Penrith's Scott Sorensen.

The Panthers forward is joined by fellow Penrith premiership winners James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Isaac Liu have all been recalled after missing the mid-season Test.

Melbourne prop Jesse Bromwich will captain the side.

"Selecting the squad for the World Cup was a real challenge given the quality of players in contention," Maguire said.

"There were some tough calls to make but we're excited about the group we've settled on."

NEW ZEALAND'S SQUAD: Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Jesse Bromwich, Kenny Bromwich, Dylan Brown, James Fisher-Harris, Kieran Foran, Peta Hiku, Jahrome Hughes, Sebastian Kris, Moses Leota, Isaac Liu, Joseph Manu, Jeremy Marshall-King, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Briton Nikora, Marata Niukore, Isaiah Papali'i, Jordan Rapana, Brandon Smith, Scott Sorensen, Joseph Tapine, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.

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