Sonny Bill Williams left out of New Zealand side

Sonny Bill Williams has been left out of the New Zealand side to face rivals Cook Islands in a warm up game to the World Cup.


The Kiwis have named a powerful side, despite choosing to rest players who played in the NRL Grand Final.


Manly Sea Eagles five-eighth Kieran Foran and five players from the Sydney Roosters side - Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Sam Moa, Frank-Paul Nuuausala and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves also have the weekend off.


Cook Islands are likely to feature Wests Tigers recruit Keith Lulia for the clash at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium on Sunday.


The match is not an official Test match. Both sides will play with a minimum 18 players and unlimited interchange.


The Kiwis kick off their Rugby League World Cup defence against Samoa at Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington on October 27.


1. Josh Hoffman

2. Jason Nightingale

3. Krisnan Inu

4. Dean Whare

5. Manu Vatuvei

6. Thomas Leuluai

7. Shaun Johnson

8. Jesse Bromwich

9. Issac Luke

10. Sam Kasiano

11. Frank Pritchard

12. Simon Mannering (captain)

13. Elijah Taylor


14. Greg Eastwood

15. Ben Matulino

16. Alex Glenn

17. Kevin Locke

18. Bryson Goodwin