Paul Gallen's Test career may have come to a premature end because of injury after he was ruled out of next week's one-off Test against the Kiwis.
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An ongoing hip injury has ruled Gallen out of the Suncorp Stadium clash and it could affect his availability for NSW in the Origin opener. While Gallen is staring down the barrel of a Test exit and at least two weeks on the sidelines, St George Illawarra's Josh Dugan will almost certainly make his Kangaroos debut on the wing.
South Sydney rookie Alex Johnston is also close to securing a Test start. Josh Morris had been slated for the vacant wing spot but an ongoing ankle injury is expected to rule him out of contention, with Johnston in line to play his first Test after being a non-playing squad member for the Kangaroos during last season's Four Nations campaign.
Gallen – Australia's long-term vice-captain – has not played for the Kangaroos since the corresponding Test last year after missing the end of year Four Nations tournament because of suspension. Gallen would need a show of good faith by the Australian selectors should he represent the green and gold again with no end-of-season Tests this year.
The 31-Test veteran is eying a one-year contract extension at the Sharks before playing in the English Super League, which would mean he would need to be picked for next season's mid-year Test as it would be unlikely he would be selected for next year's end-of-season tournament.
Australian coach Tim Sheens said Gallen gave him no indication of his intention to retire from Test football.
"I'm not prepared to admit [that his Test career is over]," Sheens said. "He is on the other side of 30. It's not going to be easy [to play again] with no Tests this year. I wouldn't write Paul Gallen off on anything. He is a champion.
"The side will go on and move forward. The jerseys are on loan until the next young player comes through. I was disappointed for Gal. He was very keen to play. The team has to move forward and fill those shoes."
Australia have a host of injury concerns. Billy Slater is facing an uphill battle to be fit and if he is overlooked, Greg Inglis would shift to fullback. Michael Jennings has the inside running for one centre spot while Boyd Cordner, Corey Parker and Greg Bird are set to make up Australia's back row. The Kangaroos will pick an extended squad of up to 19 players to deal with their injury woes.
The Kangaroos will have just two full training sessions before Friday's game. Sheens said some players would be given more time than others to prove their fitness. "It's a very short week," Sheens said. "Each person is treated differently based on their experience and type of injury."
James Tamou is expected to earn a Test recall from the interchange bench to compliment the starting front row of Aaron Woods and Matt Scott. Luke Lewis is set to play from the interchange bench while St George Illawarra forward Trent Merrin is also under consideration to make his Test debut.
Dugan, who would be in line to be the 800th Kangaroo, said he would have no qualms about switching to the wing provided he came through unscathed when St George Illawarra play the Roosters on Saturday. "If I do get a call I'd be very honoured to play for the green and gold," Dugan said. "I don't think wing is too much different to centre or fullback, I think it's a bit of both. I could handle it and do a good job. I'm not too worried about that game at the moment."
