New Zealand coach Michael Maguire says the Kiwis' attack will be calmed by the return of halfback Jahrome Hughes for their final group game of the Rugby League World Cup.
Hughes has been sidelined with a thigh strain since the start of the tournament but will return for Friday's (Saturday AEDT) meeting with Ireland.
It is a welcome boost for Maguire as he searches for continuity in his spine ahead of a probable semi-final with Australia.
Five-eighth Dylan Brown sat out last week's win over Jamaica with illness.
"Jahrome is back and ready to go," Maguire said.
"He has really grown and his dominant presence is really calming for the team.
"He knows what is required in these games and Dylan is full of energy. It's nice to have that spine back together again."
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has been named to make his comeback from suspension off the bench after sitting out New Zealand's two opening games.
Injuries have forced Cronulla back-rower Briton Nikora into the centres, while Melbourne's Nelson Asofa-Solomona will experiment with time in the back-row against an Ireland side containing Sydney Roosters' Luke Keary.
Moses Leota (chest) and Marata Niukore (hamstring) will sit out this week, while Maguire's first-choice wing pairing of Ronaldo Mulitalo and Jordan Rapana make their way back into the side.
New Zealand Team: Joey Manu, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Briton Nikora, Peta Hiku, Jordan Rapana, Dylan Brown, Jahrome Hughes, Jesse Bromwich, Brandon Smith, James Fisher-Harris, Kenny Bromwich, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Joe Tapine. Interchange: Isaiah Papali'i, Kieran Foran, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Isaac Liu. Reserves: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Scott Sorensen.
