Winger Bryson Goodwin says his ex-Kangaroo father backs his decision to pledge his rugby league allegiance to the Kiwis.

Goodwin, who was born in New South Wales town Parkes, is one of four new caps in the New Zealand side for a one-off test against Tonga in Rotorua on Wednesday.

The match is a dress rehearsal for the Kiwis before they fly out for the inaugural Four Nations tournament in England and France.

Goodwin, who was in prolific try-scoring form for the Bulldogs this year, qualifies for New Zealand through his Maori grandmother and has already represented New Zealand Maori.

He said his father was happy he had chosen to turn out for the Kiwis.

“I’ve talked to Dad and he’s happy, and that’s the main thing,” he said.

“He just said to do whatever I wanted to do.”

Goodwin’s father is “Lord” Ted Goodwin, who played for the Kangaroos in 1972 and 1973.

He was also a member of the grand final-winning St George side of 1977, when the title decider with Parramatta went to the replay.

In the first match, drawn 9-9 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, he was knocked out when he slammed his face against ground while scoring a try after a chip and chase.

His two other sons, Luke and Bronx, have also had National Rugby League experience, with Bronx playing for the Sharks this season.

Luke’s NRL teams during the 1990s included the Bulldogs and he also represented the New Zealand Maori at the 2000 World Cup.

Bryson Goodwin, who had made just seven first-grade appearances for Cronulla before this season, admitted that he was surprised to make the Kiwi tour party.

Impressive first campaign

However, his selection comes after an impressive first campaign with the Bulldogs in which he helped last year’s wooden spooners to a top-four finish.

His 24 appearances brought 20 tries, the fourth-best haul in the competition.

The last of those came in the preliminary final against Parramatta and produced a moment of controversy, with opposition fullback Jarryd Payne sliding in with a knee to the head.

Goodwin, 23, credited his club-mates for what he described as his most enjoyable year in the NRL.

“I put my success down to the good backline we had at the Bulldogs,” he said.

“Our backline in the Kiwis looks pretty good as well.”

Against Tonga, Goodwin will join centre Junior Sau and prop Frank-Paul Nuuausala as new caps in the starting line-up.

Another debutant, Rotorua-born backrower Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, will be on the interchange bench.

In all, there are seven uncapped players in the 23-man New Zealand squad for the Four Nations, which begins with a test between the Kiwis and the Kangaroos in London on October 25 (NZ time).

Goodwin said having so many other newcomers in the group made the transition to the international environment a little easier.

“But all the other players who have been here before welcome you in so it’s not too hard anyway.”