ARL selectors stick with trusted big-name players for Kangaroos squad

September 07, 2009

The bolters were few and far between as Australian Rugby League selectors stuck with recognised talent in naming their Four-Nations train-on squad.
The squad, from NRL sides missing the finals, contains 18 players - 14 of whom played in this year's State of Origin series. The
other four - Wests Tigers duo Chris Lawrence and Keith Galloway,
Cronulla's Luke Douglas and South Sydney pivot John Sutton - have all
been part of train-on squads in previous seasons and have played for
the Prime Minister's XIII.

The most notable non-selection was Test prop and Warriors skipper Steve Price, who failed to see out the regular season due to a raft of injuries including Achilles tendonitis and a throat problem.

Rabbitohs backrower Michael Crocker and North Queensland centre Willie Tonga were also not considered due to injury.

Price's unavailability has opened the door for the likes of Galloway, St George Illawarra pair Justin Poore and Michael Weyman and Brisbane powerhouse Dave Taylor for next month's trip to the northern hemisphere to take on England, France and World Cup holders New Zealand.

Selectors will continue to add players as sides bow out of the premiership race, with a Prime Minister's XIII to be named on Monday week for the annual clash with Papua New Guinea.
The Squad - Johnathan Thurston, Luke O'Donnell, Matthew Scott (all North
Queensland), Nate Myles (Sydney Roosters), John Sutton (South Sydney),
Paul Gallen, Luke Douglas (both Cronulla), Terry Campese, Joel
Monaghan, David Shillington, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (all Canberra), Michael
Jennings, Trent Waterhouse, Luke Lewis, Petero Civoniceva (all
Penrith), Robbie Farah, Chris Lawrence, Keith Galloway (all Wests
Tigers).

Unless injury strikes him down Hannant is a sure thing to take Prices spot and make his test debut.

Galloway is the Suprise

its only the prime ministers 13 there...... so all the players there are from the bottom 8 teams in the comp

No, It's the bottom 8 sides plus the first two teams eliminated from the final series are eligible for it I am sure.

It's not named until Monday week. which means two clubs will be gone from the finals.

Price is actually out because he had eye surgery two weeks ago and its still touch and go if he will play next season atm.