Darren Lockyer leads Australia. Photo / Getty Images

Darren Lockyer leads Australia. Photo / Getty Images

We profile the form of the four sides heading into league's 2009 showcase international event.

The Kiwis, favourites Australia, and tournament hosts England and France face off in the inaugural Four Nations.

NEW ZEALAND
* v Australia, London October 25
* v France, Toulouse November 1
* v England, Huddersfield November 8

Gone are the days when Warriors dominated the ranks of the Kiwis.

This squad contains just three, with two them, Kevin Locke and Ben Matulino, fringe selections.

The rest are the best of the Kiwi talent in the NRL still walking at this time of year, with Wigan's Thomas Leuluai thrown in for good measure.

Undoubtedly the side has been hit hard by injury withdrawals, with Warriors standouts Manu Vatuvei, Sam Rapira and Simon Mannering and former national captain Roy Asotasi headlining a long list.

What's left is the spine of the 2008 World Cup-winning team - Benji Marshall, Nathan Fien, Lance Hohaia, Isaac Luke and Leuluai - with a heap of young prospects thrown in.

There is promise in abundance, with the likes of Locke, Kieran Foran, Jarred Waera-Hargreaves just setting out on what should be notable careers.

But those three look like babes in the woods in comparison with the galaxy of stars in the Kangaroos. Still, the Kiwis thrive on being underdogs.

If they can get past England in Huddersfield and into the final at Elland Road on November 15, they will have a chance to lift the trophy.

Coach: Stephen Kearney

Squad: Bronson Harrison (Canberra Raiders), Greg Eastwood, Bryson Goodwin (Canterbury Bulldogs), Kieran Foran, Steve Matai, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Manly Sea Eagles), Adam Blair, Jeff Lima (Melbourne Storm), Junior Sau (Newcastle Knights), Lance Hohaia, Kevin Locke, Ben Matulino (New Zealand Warriors), Krisnan Inu, Fuifui Moimoi (Parramatta Eels), Frank Pritchard (Penrith Panthers), Issac Luke (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Nathan Fien, Jason Nightingale (St George Illawarra Dragons), Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Sam Perrett, Iosia Soliola (Sydney Roosters), Benji Marshall (c) (Wests Tigers), Thomas Leuluai (Wigan Warriors).

AUSTRALIA
* v New Zealand, London October 25
* v England, Wigan November 1
* v France, Paris November 8

The Kangaroos squad looks as strong as ever, although its major strength is clearly in the backs.