Great Britain ace Keiron Cunningham has been named in the team to face New Zealand in Saturday's first Test at Ewood Park.

The St Helens hooker has been struggling with a hand injury and pulled out of Sunday's clash between Wales and the Kiwis.

After being examined by the Great Britain doctor, he was given the green light to continue training and has been selected in the starting line-up.

However coach David Waite will be hoping that Cunningham does not aggravate the injury in the build-up to the game.

But a team spokesman has said that the player's condition will be continually monitored throughout the rest of the week.

Cunningham is the only specialist hooker in the 22-man squad and would have been a big loss if he was ruled out.

Bradford loose forward Mike Forshaw, who played hooker in all three Tests against Australia 12 months ago, would be an option if Cunningham was ruled out.