Added to Australia‘s Four Nations train-on squad was former Test winger Lote Tuqiri, making him one of ten players included.
In 2002, the Wests Tigers dual international last represented the Kangaroos before transitioning to rugby union.
Among the five Tigers players added to coach Tim Sheens’s team for next month’s series defense are Robbie Farah, Keith Galloway, Chris Lawrence, and Todd Payten.
In addition, five Gold Coast Titans players were included: Greg Bird, Ashley Harrison, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, and captain Scott Prince.
The squad is scheduled to convene for medicals and training on Wednesday in Sydney, where both Turiqi (ribs) and Payten (ankle) are facing challenges in demonstrating their fitness.
Kangaroos train on squad
Darren Lockyer, Sam Thaiday (Brisbane), Michael Ennis, Ben Hannant (Canterbury), Paul Gallen (Cronulla), Greg Bird, Ashley Harrison, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello, Scott Prince (Gold Coast), Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith (Melbourne), Kurt Gidley (Newcastle), Matt Scott, Johnathan Thurston, Willie Tonga (North Queensland), Jarryd Hayne, Timana Tahu (Parramatta), David Taylor (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Jason King, Jamie Lyon, Anthony Watmough (Manly), Brent Tate (New Zealand), Jarrod Croker, Josh Dugan, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Joel Monaghan, David Shillington (Canberra), Petero Civoniceva, Michael Gordon, Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis (Penrith), Robbie Farah, Keith Galloway, Chris Lawrence, Todd Payten, Lote Tuqiri (Wests Tigers).
Buford says: What about Chris Heighington?