FIVE years after playing for Wales and three months after his State of Origin debut, Tyson Frizell has muscled his way into the Australian Four Nations squad.
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The shining light of St George Illawarra’s stuttering season, Frizell was part of the 24-man group to prepare for the series in England in November.
Josh Dugan was also named and they could yet face off against Dragons teammate Jason Nightingale, who was included in the New Zealand squad.
Before flying out Australia take on the Kiwis in a Test in Perth on Saturday week. It caps a remarkable season for Frizell, who was initially overlooked for NSW selection, but produced one of the great Blues debuts after replacing suspended Wade Graham in the team.
With his ability to play on the edge or through the middle of the ruck, the Corrimal junior represents a new generation of players to wear green and gold.
"This is a new era for the Kangaroos and the squad which has been selected for the Four Nations tournament reflects that," coach Mal Meninga said.
“This squad has been selected for the present, but with an eye to the future.
“It is extremely heartening to see the players buy in and the quality of the players available highlights that.
“We have very experienced Test players as well as some outstanding young players who have big futures in the green and gold.”
However, Meninga confirmed rising star Jack Bird, the Berkeley junior who won the NRL premiership with Cronulla on Sunday, was considered and overlooked.
Bird believed he’d dislocated his elbow in the first half, before having a pain killing injection during the break.
He played on as the Sharks clung on in the gripping final minutes to beat Melbourne at ANZ Stadium.
“We’ve got some other names in Michael Morgan and Matt Moylan,” Meninga said.
“He’s (Bird) close.”
Frizell played five Tests for Wales, making his debut in 2011 and representing the nation at the 2013 World Cup.
Kiama junior Brett Morris was not considered, despite making his comeback late in the season from a knee injury.
Meanwhile, Dragons prop Leeson Ah Mau and centre Tim Lafai are in the team to play Fiji on Saturday.
Lafai faces an uncertain future at the Dragons, after a disappointing season and being stood down for a late night incident in Wollongong. He has been linked to Melbourne.
Port Kembla coach James Storer is part of an 18-man squad for the Bati.
Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
