Tony Williams just one of several high-profile victims of selection announcement.
Australian coach Tim Sheens on Sunday made five changes to the side that beat New Zealand last year for the Kangaroos team to take on the Kiwis in Canberra on Friday.
Australian regulars Justin Hodges, Luke Lewis, Anthony Watmough and Sam Thaiday return to the side after missing last October’s encounter through injury.
Newcastle Knights utility Kurt Gidley is set to play his first game for the national team since 2010 after being named on the interchange bench.
Back rower Tony Williams, who has been in poor form for the Canterbury Bulldogs this season, missed out on selection while Melbourne’s Ryan Hoffman was also squeezed out of the team.
The Kangaroos beat New Zealand 18-10 in their last meeting in Townsville, North Queensland, last October after winning 20-12 in Auckland last April.
Australia (1 to 17) – Billy Slater; Darius Boyd, Greg Inglis, Justin Hodges, Brett Morris; Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk; Matt Scott, Cameron Smith (capt), James Tamou, Greg Bird, Sam Thaiday, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Kurt Gidley, Luke Lewis, Nate Myles, Anthony Watmough
COMMENTS