Australia have named four debutants for the Anzac test on Friday night.
Alex Johnston (Rabbitohs), Josh Dugan (Dragons), Will Chambers (Storm) and Trent Merrin (Dragons) will make their Test debuts against New Zealand at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.
Each debutant has their own unique story:
- Chambers will become the 800th player to represent Australia.
- Johnston made his NRL debut exactly one year ago yesterday capping his rise in the NRL.
- Dugan will play in the unfamiliar position of wing.
- Merrin will pull on the green and gold after playing 10 games for NSW.
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An extended squad has been named with injury concerns to several players including Billy Slater.
Australia captain Cameron Smith will captain the Kangaroos for the 20th time and joins only five players who have led his country in 20 or more Tests – Darren Lockyer (38), Clive Churchill (27), Brad Fittler (25), Mal Meninga (24) and Wally Lewis (24).
"We have a lot of experience in this squad but it is also important to be able to test some of the younger players at this level," Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens said.
"I'm looking forward to seeing how the likes of Alex Johnston, Josh Dugan and Will Chambers perform at this level, alongside our more experienced players like Greg Inglis, Johnathan Thurston and Cameron Smith."
Sheens will take charge of the Kangaroos for the 31st time since 2009.
The 2015 Kangaroos squad is:
Fullback Billy Slater Melbourne Storm
Wing Alex Johnston South Sydney Rabbitohs
Centre Greg Inglis South Sydney Rabbitohs
Centre Will Chambers Melbourne Storm
Wing Josh Dugan St George Illawarra Dragons
Five-Eighth Johnathan Thurston North Queensland Cowboys
Halfback Cooper Cronk Melbourne Storm
Prop Matt Scott North Queensland Cowboys
Hooker Cameron Smith © Melbourne Storm
Prop Aaron Woods Wests Tigers
Second Row Greg Bird Gold Coast Titans
Second Row Sam Thaiday Brisbane Broncos
Lock Corey Parker Brisbane Broncos
Interchange Luke Lewis Cronulla Sharks
Interchange Trent Merrin St George Illawarra Dragons
Interchange Nate Myles Gold Coast Titans
Interchange James Tamou North Queensland Cowboys
18th man Daly Cherry-Evans Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
19th man Michael Jennings Sydney Roosters
20th man Josh Papalii Canberra Raiders
