Already without star fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and would-be replacement Tui Lolohea through knee injuries, Kiwi Test veterans Manu Vatuvei and Ben Matulino were among six Warriors dumped from this Sunday's clash with St George Illawarra.

The players were disciplined after a late night out that breached team protocol, which came a day after the Warriors' embarrassing 42-0 loss in Melbourne.

It is unclear whether New Zealand coach Steven Kearney will consider the dumped Warriors for next Friday's clash with Australia in Newcastle.

But if Vatuvei is overlooked it could possibly open the door for Rapana to press for a maiden Kiwi jumper, with the team named on Sunday.

The Raiders winger has begun the season in superb form, capped by four tries in last week's 60-6 win over the Tigers.

He leads the NRL in tackle busts with 41 and his final chance to impress Kiwi selectors will be against Penrith Panthers winger Josh Mansour at Bathurst on Saturday.

Adding intrigue to Wellington-raised Rapana's selection hopes is he remains eligible for Queensland after moving to the Gold Coast as a child.

"He's definitely knocking on the door with the quality of the football he's been playing," said Soliola, who played the last of his 12 Tests for New Zealand in 2009.

"He's an exciting player and a lot of Kiwis like to see that brand of footy. Looking at the stats and his tackle busts, he's just a hard dude to stop and it would be silly not to look at him."

Gold Coast centre Josh Hoffman is also in good form and could press for a back-line spot, while Penrith youngster Dallin Watene-Zelezniak may also come into calculations.

"Unfortunately for Jordan there's a lot of guys in his position who are good footballers," Soliola said. "But he's definitely putting his hand up and I wouldn't be surprised if not this week, down the track he'll be picked one way or the other."

Rapana's energy, work rate and strong carries have been vital for the Raiders, particularly their forward pack with this year's limited interchanges.

"Jordan wears his heart on his sleeve and gives it his all, that's one thing the boys like about playing with him," Soliola said.

"He gives it 100 per cent and that's all you can ask for as a teammate. What he provides for us, especially us forwards and the way the game has changed, it's invaluable."

The teams for next weekend's City-Country clash will also be named on Sunday, with several Raiders understood to be in contention.

Jack Wighton, Jarrod Croker, Paul Vaughan and Shannon Boyd are strong candidates for Country, while Joey Leilua, Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin may feature for City.

Bench hooker Kurt Baptiste and Mounties winger Kato Ottio have been chosen in Papua New Guinea's team to play a Fijian team which should feature Sisa Waqa next Saturday.

NRL - ROUND 9

Saturday: Penrith Panthers v Canberra Raiders, at Carrington Park, Bathurst, 3pm. Tickets available from Ticketek . Live on Fox Sports 1.