After a season ruined by injuries, ironically it's injuries that have resumed Danny Levi's New Zealand career.
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The Canberra Raiders hooker thought his time playing for the Kiwis might have been over, but he was always willing to put his hand up for his country if needed.
He hoped a Pacific Championships campaign might be the launching pad for the Raiders next year after two broken jaws limited him to just four NRL games for the Green Machine in 2023.
Levi's set to play his first game for New Zealand since 2017 after he was a shock selection in Kiwis coach Michael Maguire's squad announced on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old, Fa'amanu Brown and possibly even Kieran Foran were the hooking options in Maguire's squad with Sydney Roosters rake Brandon Smith unavailable due to a hand injury.
Smith needed surgery to remove a plate that caused him severe discomfort in the back end of the season.
Jeremy Marshall-King, Phoenix Crossland and Kodi Nikorima were also unavailable, opening the door for Levi's return after he played for Samoa at last year's World Cup.
![Raiders hooker Danny Levi was a shock selection in the New Zealand Kiwis squad. Picture by James Croucher Raiders hooker Danny Levi was a shock selection in the New Zealand Kiwis squad. Picture by James Croucher](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/reqbnGrLXyZFax2TwSi3Na/2a16ff58-110d-4e17-9067-e76c9b00ddb4.jpg/r0_343_6720_4136_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Fellow Raiders Joseph Tapine and Matt Timoko were also named, with the latter a chance to make his international debut after narrowly missing out on the World Cup squad.
Sebastian Kris would've been in the squad but for his five-game suspension for a spear tackle.
The Kiwis face Samoa at Eden Park on October 21 before playing Australia in Melbourne a week later, with the final in Hamilton on November 4.
Levi started the year as the Raiders' first-choice hooker, but broke his jaw in round three and then again later in the season.
It's why he was so excited - and surprised - about his recall, which will see him go into camp in New Zealand on October 14.
Levi's still experiencing some numbness in his jaw, which the doctors said could continue for at least a year.
He likened it to feeling like you'd just had an injection at the dentist.
"I was stoked obviously, over the moon. It was pretty surprising. I've barely been on the field this year with two broken jaws, but I was grateful to get the opportunity," Levi said.
"There's plenty of quality hookers for the Kiwis.
"I would always try and do my best to make the side and I'd always put my hand up for the opportunity.
"For it to come again it's bloody awesome. I'm stoked to get to be a part of it again."
Maguire backed Levi's experience, which has seen him play four Tests for New Zealand, another five for Samoa, 116 NRL games across four clubs and a further 30 games in the English Super League.
The Kiwis coach said training would determine who would fill the hooking role during the championships.
"He's got a lot of experience at that level and I've got 'Nu' Brown there to help work with what we're doing," Maguire said.
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"And obviously Kieran Foran's played a little bit of dummy half for us at the Kiwi level too. We've got a bit of depth there.
"I guess how they perform in training and the games determines what we do moving forward."
Levi said Smith's absence would be a massive loss for the Kiwis.
Smith has established himself as New Zealand's starting hooker over the past five years, including last year's World Cup.
"Obviously it's a massive loss, but it's one of those things that happens in footy and on the good side for me is it gave me an opportunity," Levi said.
"But that's definitely a massive loss. Brandy's a weapon. If I do get a shot I'll definitely have to do my best."
Raiders NRLW rookie of the year Cheyelle Robins-Reti has continued her boom first season of rugby league by being named in her first Kiwi Ferns squad.
She starred in the centres for the Green Machine in their maiden season in the NRLW since switching from rugby union.
Raiders halfback Ashleigh Quinlan could also make her Kiwi Ferns debut, while fullback Apii Nicholls was also picked.
The Kiwi Ferns face Australia in Townsville on October 14, play Tonga at Eden Park a week later, before playing the Jillaroos again in Melbourne on October 28.
Raiders forward Kerehitina Matua was named in the Cook Islands squad for the championships.
"We've listed an impressive group of players who have rightfully earned their spots, and we acknowledge them for their form in the NRLW competition," Kiwi Ferns coach Ricky Henry said.
"The depth we have and the new generation of players coming through is exciting.
"I'm confident our newcomers will flourish alongside our World Cup campaigners and veteran leaders who set an excellent foundation for us last year.
"The Jillaroos are world-class, and Tonga is no easy feat, but I'm confident in this playing group. I know everyone can't wait to get out there."
New Zealand Kiwis squad: Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Melbourne Storm), Dylan Brown (Parramatta Eels), Fa'amanu Brown (Newcastle Knights), James Fisher-Harris (Penrith Panthers), Kieran Foran (Gold Coast Titans), Wiremu Greig (Parramatta Eels), Jahrome Hughes (Melbourne Storm), Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins), Keano Kini (Gold Coast Titans), Moses Leota (Penrith Panthers), Danny Levi (Canberra Raiders), Joseph Manu (Sydney Roosters), Ronaldo Mulitalo (Cronulla Sharks), Griffin Neame (North Cowboys), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors), Briton Nikora (Cronulla Sharks), Isaiah Papali'i (Wests Tigers), Joseph Tapine (Canberra Raiders), Leo Thompson (Newcastle Knights), Matthew Timoko (Canberra Raiders), Naufahu Whyte (Sydney Roosters).
New Zealand Kiwi Ferns squad: Abigail Roache (Newcastle Knights), Amelia Pasikala (Sydney Roosters), Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa (St George Illawarra Dragons), Annessa Biddle (Cronulla Sharks), Apii Nicholls (Canberra Raiders), Ashleigh Quinlan (Canberra Raiders), Brooke Anderson (Cronulla Sharks), Capri Paekau (Parramatta Eels), Cheyelle Robins-Reti (Canberra Raiders), Georgia Hale (Gold Coast Titans), Jasmine Fogavini (Brisbane Broncos), Laishon Albert Jones (Newcastle Knights), Leianne Tufuga (Wests Tigers), Mele Hufanga (Brisbane Broncos), Mya Hill-Moana (Sydney Roosters), Najvada George (Wests Tigers), Otesa Pule (Sydney Roosters), Raecene McGregor (St George Illawarra Dragons), Shanice Parker (Newcastle Knights), Tiana Davison (Newcastle Knights), Tyla Nathan-Wong (St George Illawarra Dragons).
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