David Kidwell

Kiwis coach David Kidwell has accused Jason Taumalolo of a lack of respect after his controversial decision to switch allegiance to Tonga.

Taumalolo - rated the best forward in world rugby league - opted to play for Tonga at the Rugby League World Cup after 10 caps for the Kiwis.

Kidwell told the Brisbane Courier Mail newspaper that Taumalolo's actions still rankled and he said there were no guarantees the North Queensland Cowboys star would play for the Kiwis again.

In a stunning decision Taumalolo, who was the joint-winner of the Dally M Award last year, this week pledged his allegiance to Tonga for the end-of-year campaign, with the Kiwis unaware of his intentions right up unti

McNamara is currently one of the Warriors assistant coaches.

Forward Greg Eastwood is the only change to the 19-man squad named to face the home nation, replacing Canberra back rower Joseph Tapine.

"It's no secret this game is going to be won up front," says Kidwell. "Both teams have strong forward packs and we need our middle men to lead the way."

Kidwell and his coaching staff have put the full squad through their paces since arriving in England last Thursday.

"I'm really happy with how the boys have trained. We understand the challenge that's ahead of us and we need to be at our best," he says.

Johnson, 26, is the team's undisputed playmaker but produced a disjointed display in their 26-6 loss to the Kangaroos in Perth.

The Kiwis leave for their Four Nations campaign on Wednesday and Kidwell admitted they will have to take the lessons from their 26-6 defeat with them as they seek to defend their crown.

The starting line-up includes two players making their debuts for New Zealand, Solomone Kata and Jordan Rapana.

Seventeen-test veteran Jared Waerea-Hargreaves makes his return to the international arena, last wearing the black-and-white jersey at the 2013 World Cup.

Re-joining him in the front row is the most-capped player in the side, Issac Luke, playing his 37th test match.

Jesse Bromwich captains the team, supported by two other Melbourne Storm players who featured in the NRL Grand Final, Kevin Proctor and Tohu Harris.