New Zealand have been forced to turn to Danny Levi and Fa'amanu Brown as hooking options for rugby league's Pacific Championships.
The Kiwis on Wednesday unveiled a 21-man squad for the tournament, with Dylan Brown and Jahrome Hughes set to retain their spots in the halves.
Joey Manu is also included, after missing the end of the season for the Sydney Roosters with a hamstring injury, while the Kiwis pack looks dangerous.
Winger Jamayne Isaako has returned from opting to represent Samoa in 2019, while premiership-winning Penrith props James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota will likely start in the front row.
But it is at No.9 where New Zealand have felt the most pain ahead of their Championships opener against Samoa on October 21.
Roosters hooker Brandon Smith has been sidelined by a hand injury, while Jeremy Marshall-King is unavailable with shoulder trouble.
Kodi Nikorima could have been an option to play No.14 off the bench, but is ruled out due to undertaking best man duties at his brother's wedding according to the New Zealand Rugby League.
Newcastle hooker Phoenix Crossland was also unavailable due to a knee injury, after last month revealing an allegiance to the Kiwis.
Kieran Foran is listed in the squad and would be an option to play dummy-half, but the veteran has not started there at any point in his NRL career.
Instead, Levi and Brown look the most likely to wear No.9.
Levi played hooker for Samoa for the first half of 2022's World Cup, but nominated to play for New Zealand this year.
The 26-year-old played four NRL games at dummy-half at Canberra this season, and 10 in reserve grade.
He played four Tests for New Zealand in 2017.
Brown spent the majority of this year in NSW Cup, after transferring from Canterbury to Newcastle mid-season.
He also played hooker for Samoa in last year's World Cup, and would make his senior Kiwis debut if picked.
Shaun Johnson, Marata Niukore, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Sebastian Kris, Scott Sorensen, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Te Maire Martin, Tohu Harris and Jordan Riki are all unavailable through a combination of injury, suspension and personal reasons.
That has left Griffin Neame, Wiremu Greig, Keano Kini, Leo Thompson, Matthew Timoko and Naufahu Whyte as potential debutants alongside Brown.
Jason Taumalolo will miss Tonga's three-Test series against England to manage a knee injury that has lingered since last year's World Cup.
Tyson Frizell has been picked by the Pacific powerhouse, though, after previously representing Australia and Wales.
NEW ZEALAND: Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Dylan Brown, Fa'amanu Brown, James Fisher-Harris, Kieran Foran, Wiremu Greig, Jahrome Hughes, Jamayne Isaako, Keano Kini, Moses Leota, Danny Levi, Joseph Manu, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Griffin Neame, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Briton Nikora, Isaiah Papali'i, Joseph Tapine, Leo Thompson, Matthew Timoko, Naufahu Whyte.
TONGA*: Latu Fainu, Addin Fonua-Blake, Moeaki Fotuaika, Tyson Frizell, Siliva Havili, William Hopoate, Konrad Hurrell, Isaiya Katoa, Eliesa Katoa, Felise Kaufusi, Keaon Koloamatangi, Tolutau Koula, Tuimoala Lolohea, Haumole Olakau'atu, Will Penisini, Hame Sele, Mosese Suli, Tevita Tatola, Dion Teaupa, Starford To'a, Daniel Tupou, Siua Wong.
(* to tour England)
