Kangaroos

In a test that was short of thrilling moments, Australia put in a workmanlike performance to record their second straight win over the No 1 team in the world.

The Kangaroos outscored the Kiwis five tries to one, with a big problem for New Zealand being knowing what the right move should be when attacking on the last tackle.

The spark that guided them to the outstanding 26-12 win over the Kangaroos in Brisbane last year, just wasn't there and other than the big runs from Jason Taumalolo, there were few 'wow' moments from players in black and white jerseys.

Fifita was one of a number of big names left out of the Four Nations squad, but his absence was particularly notable, given on form he was almost a shoe-in for selection.

Speaking on the Triple M Rush Hour, Meninga made it clear playing for the Kangaroos was about more than onfield performance.

“It’s about on and off the field, it’s about taking and accepting the responsibility as a role model for the game . . . we’re trying to lift the standards of the green and gold," Meninga said.

Speaking at the press conference announcing the squad, Meninga said the Tigers fullback was unlucky to miss out, but was sitting behind Darius Boyd in the pecking order.

Meninga said Bird was close to getting selected, but Michael Morgan and Moylan were both seen as more versatile.

Tedesco and Bird are two high-profile players who were left out of the end of year tour squad. Veteran forwards Paul Gallen and Corey Parker were left out of the side, as was in-form Sharks prop Andrew Fifita.

Who is the unluckiest player to miss out? 

Andrew Fifita and Semi Radradra have been omitted from Australia's Four Nations squad.

Fifita scored the winning try in Cronulla Sharks' NRL Grand Final victory over Melbourne Storm on Sunday, but will not travel to England with the Kangaroos.

The 27-year-old prop caused controversy in the 2016 season by wearing an armband during a match displaying a message of support for a friend, convicted one-punch killer Kieran Loveridge.

The driveway into the stadium gates are fully packed as people with tickets stand in line from the gates all the way out to the street and onto the main driveway while some are looking for tickets.

Police units were also deployed to the area to maintain security around the perimeter.

City residents, families, fans and supporters also dressed in PNG colors as they marched to the stadium.

Gates will open at 1:30pm and close at 5pm after the game kick off at 4pm.

Prime Minister's XIII Coach Mal Meninga has confirmed that Inglis would play in the annual match, and would captain the side.

Meninga said he would be treating the match as a genuine trial for Four Nations positions.

"Greg is an outstanding leader and his selection in the team and as captain shows the mindset I have around this game," Meninga said.

"I want to select the strongest team possible. All players who play in the Prime Minister’s XIII game will be genuine chances of playing in the Four Nations."

Penrith flyer Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Parramatta enforcer Manu Ma’u have been named to debut for the Kiwis in a 19-man squad which will be skippered by Jesse Bromwich.

Issac Luke has been left out of the side with Brisbane rake Kodi Nikorima or Lewis Brown to wear the No.9.

Kiwi stars Ben Matulino and Manu Vatuvei were also left out after the New Zealand Rugby League decided to stand by the Warriors’ club suspension of the six players left out of their win against St George Illawarra on Sunday, leaving New Zealand with a slightly new-look feel.

One of the key recommendations in Richardson's long-awaited blueprint to grow the game announced on Tuesday was the return of meaningful Kangaroo tours of the UK and France.

While he couldn't envision months-long tours like the old days of the 1978 Invincibles and 1982 Unbeatables, the NRL's head of game strategy and development is pushing hard for more famous battles with the Lions.

With England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland now all challenging individually for World Cup glory, Australia haven't played Great Britain as such since hosting the Lions for two Tests in 2006.