New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney has named an unchanged side to contest Saturday night’s Rugby League World Cup final against Australia at Suncorp Stadium.

As expected Nathan Fien and Thomas Leuluai hold down their starting berths from the 32-22 semifinal defeat of England at halfback and hooker respectively, while 23-year-old Bronson Harrison will again start in the second row ahead of Sika Manu, who is named on the bench.

Nathan Cayless and Sika Manu have meanwhile escaped with cautions from the World Cup match committee after incidents in the semifinal. 

Skipper Cayless has been cautioned for "unnecessary contact" to the head/neck of England's Adrian Morley in the 24th minute of last weekend's match.

Manu was warned for using "unnecessary force" to the arm/shoulder of Gareth Ellis in the 45th minute.

"In this instance the tournament match commissioner (Greg McCallum) has elected to exercise his discretion arising under Rule 6.7(g) of the disciplinary code of procedure and issue this Caution in lieu of issuing a Notice of charge," a World Cup media statement said last night.

Australia are also expected to name an unchanged side barring the question mark surrounding the fitness of winger Brent Tate, who is rated a 50-50 chance.

Manly flier David Williams is Tate’s likely replacement if he succumbs to his hip flexor injury.

Australian-born English whistle blower Ashley Klein has been appointed referee.

The Kiwis are at long odds to claim their first World Cup at the New Zealand TAB, paying $5.80 to Australia’s $1.12.

Kiwis: Lance Hohaia, Sam Perrett, Simon Mannering, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, Benji Marshall, Nathan Fien, Nathan Cayless (c), Thomas Leuluai, Adam Blair, Bronson Harrison, David Fa’alogo, Jeremy Smith. Interchange: Issac Luke, Greg Eastwood, Sika Manu, Sam Rapira.

-with AAP