Leeds fullback Brett Webb and Melbourne prop Jeff Lima are injured and have withdrawn from New Zealand's squad for the Rugby League World Cup, starting in Australia on October 25.

Webb, 27 and a veteran of 17 Tests, will undergo spinal surgery to correct a long-term back injury and is expected to be sidelined for six months.

Lima, who made three Test appearances for the Kiwis in 2007, has a knee injury which has not responded to treatment.

St George Illawarra fullback Jason Nightingale and Warriors front rower Evarn Tuimavave were named as replacements.

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