Betham is vastly experienced

The 28-year-old ex-New Zealand Warriors hooker and former Test captain has not played for his country for three years.

Betham, in his first season with the Wildcats, has joined the 19-man squad as a replacement for Warrington back-rower Logan Swann.

Swann has been ruled out of Tuesday's Test with a dislocated shoulder.

Kiwi coach Brian McClennan, who has lost four players from his initial 22-man squad, has also placed Hull KR's former Castleford prop or second rower Michael Smith, who won his only cap against France in 2004, on standby.

We'll only have two training runs together but it's an exciting challenge NZ coach Brian McClennan

"It's sad about Logan but we're very fortunate to have Monty available," McClennan said.

"I remember him playing in the centenary Test (against Australia) at North Harbour in 2003 and he was terrific that day."

New Zealand are set to give a debut to 20-year-old Canterbury Bulldogs stand-off Ben Roberts, one of three representatives from Australia's National Rugby League in a squad dominated by Super League players.

Warriors centre Clinton Toopi, who is joining Leeds for next season, arrived with Roberts in England on Tuesday.

But Melbourne Storm back-rower David Kidwell will play for his club on Friday before flying out.

McClennan will trim his squad to 18 and name his captain when they go into camp on Sunday.

Scrum-half Stacey Jones is favourite to regain the captaincy in the absence of skipper Ruben Wiki and Nigel Vagana, who led the team in their 50-12 Anzac Test defeat in May.

I didn't think they were choosing any old soldiers Robbie Paul

But Jones will first play for his club Catalans Dragons against Harlequins on Saturday.

"We're going to have to see how everybody comes through the club games this weekend," said McClennan.

"We'll only have two training runs together but it's an exciting challenge."

Brisbane Broncos' Greg Eastwood was forced out with a hamstring injury, while Parramatta Eels and Sydney Roosters refused to release Fuifui Moi Moi and Iosia Soliola respectively.

Wigan's Harrison Hansen was a surprise inclusion in the initial squad after three months out injured, while Robbie Paul, 30, has also been recalled for the first time in two years.

McLennan said his team should not be called by their usual name the Kiwis, because it is not the best New Zealand team.

"This is a Test match and this is a strong team, but I would like it to be called New Zealand and not the Kiwis," he said.