 Australia coach Bennett has handed out four debuts |
Australia have named four new caps in their team for the opening Tri-Nations match against New Zealand on Saturday. Coach Wayne Bennett has picked centre Willie Tonga and back-rower Andrew Ryan of Canterbury, Penrith winger Luke Rooney and Brisbane lock Tony Carroll.
Roosters' Craig Fitzgibbon was not selected because of a shoulder injury.
Carroll will become the first player in 90 years to represent both Australia and New Zealand after turning out for the Kiwis in the 2001 World Cup.
But Tonga could yet miss out as he has a problem with his calf muscle.
If he is ruled out St George Illawarra's Matt Cooper is on standby as a replacement. After the match in Sydney, the teams come over to Great Britain where the Tri-Nations final takes place at Elland Road on 27 November.
Australia team to face New Zealand
Anthony Minichiello, Luke Rooney, Shaun Berrigan, Willie Tonga, Matt Sing, Darren Lockyer (captain), Craig Gower, Shane Webcke, Danny Buderus, Jason Ryles, Willie Mason, Nathan Hindmarsh, Tonie Carroll.
Substitutes: Craig Wing, Petero Civoniceva, Ben Kennedy, Andrew Ryan;
18th man: Shaun Timmins.
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