New Zealand five-eighth Ben Roberts has been ruled out of Friday night's centenary rugby league Test against Australia because of a hamstring strain.

Team manager Gordon Gibbons said Roberts suffered the injury at training on Thursday night and was scratched from the team list Friday afternoon.

"Ben's been having treatment all day but it (the injury) just hasn't responded," Gibbons said.

New Zealand Warriors utility Lance Hohaia, part of the extended 19-man squad in Sydney, will take Roberts' place against the Kangaroos at the SCG.

"Lance has been playing great footy and he's been part of all our trainings this week," Gibbons said.

The match is due to start at 8pm AEST in fine conditions.

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