SYDNEY - New Kangaroos coach Ricky Stuart has wasted no time plotting Australia's league redemption.
Although the National Rugby League kick-off is seven weeks away and the Anzac test a blip on the horizon, Stuart has put players on notice that they are under consideration for the May 5 test
at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium, where Australia hope to avenge their Tri-Nations title loss to the Kiwis last November.
Stuart has named an initial 40-man squad to meet in Sydney next weekend, including many established internationals. But he has also got an eye for the future by naming promising players including Anthony Tupou (Roosters) and Melbourne teenager Greg Inglis.
Inglis, who turned 19 this week, was also named by selectors in a squad for an emerging Queensland State of Origin camp.
The fullback made his first-grade debut only last season, appearing in 13 games for the Storm alongside rookie Kiwis' wing Jake Webster.
Inglis was one of five Melbourne players named in the squad, alongside Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Michael Crocker and Matt King.
Brisbane had four players - Darren Lockyer, Petero Civoniceva, Brent Tate and Shaun Berrigan - selected but they have already been ruled out by club officials as it clashes with a camp the club has already scheduled.
Andrew Johns, Penrith half Craig Gower and Knights hooker Danny Buderus are also unavailable and players from Wests Tigers were excluded as they will be in England for the World Club Challenge.
Notable inclusions were Cronulla prop Ben Ross, Penrith fullback Rhys Wesser and Sydney Roosters' Braith Anasta and Ashley Harrison.
Cronulla halfback Brett Kimmorley, dropped after the opening game of last year's Origin series, has also been named.
- NZPA
