Trbojevic brothers to play Test together

A shattered cheekbone has not stopped Tom Trbojevic from finally playing alongside his brother Jake for the Kangaroos.

The Manly stars will run out together in green and gold for the first time in Saturday's Auckland Test against New Zealand after Mal Meninga unveiled four rookies in his 17 on Tuesday night.

Sea Eagles No.1 Tom Trbojevic was named at left centre in a new-look Kangaroos backline while his older brother will start on the bench.

Trbojevic is in the centres with Sydney Roosters star Latrell Mitchell who will make his Test debut along with NRL grand final hero Luke Keary, South Sydney hooker Damien Cook and tri-colours No.1 James Tedesco.

Trbojevic admitted it was "touch and go" whether he would be fit for Kangaroos duty after suffering the serious facial injury in the NRL's final round.

The Sea Eagles speedster was ruled out for six weeks by Manly after undergoing surgery.

But barely five weeks after going under the knife, Trbojevic is set to play against the Kiwis alongside his big brother.

"It (the fracture) was a bit touch and go but I've been seeing the surgeon regularly and he gave me the all clear," Trbojevic said before the Kangaroos flew out of Brisbane for Auckland on Tuesday.

"To get picked in the side made it all better."

Trbojevic now gets the chance to fulfil a childhood dream - finally.

The brothers were denied a chance to play together for Australia at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup when backrower Jake Trbojevic broke down with a tournament-ending pectoral injury.

"It would be everything. We grew up together playing backyard footy together and doing everything together," Trbojevic said of playing alongside his older brother.

"Ten years ago you wouldn't have dreamed to be doing what we are now.

"It would be a surreal experience if we do get to do it."

Tedesco will also wear green and gold for the first time when he steps up for retired great Billy Slater at fullback, with No.1 rival Valentine Holmes named on the wing with Dane Gagai.

Despite a foot injury limiting him to just 10 NRL games this year, North Queensland prop Jordan McLean is in the starting front row with David Klemmer and NSW rake Cook.

New Kangaroos skipper Boyd Cordner and Melbourne's Felise Kaufusi are in the back-row with Brisbane lock Josh McGuire.

St George Illawarra halfback Ben Hunt held out Gold Coast-bound Tyrone Peachey to grab the bench utility spot.

Cordner took over the national reins after Greg Inglis was stood down for this month's Tests - which also features an October 20 clash against Tonga - following drink-driving and speeding charges.

Kangaroos team: James Tedesco, Dane Gagai, Latrell Mitchell, Tom Trbojevic, Valentine Holmes, Luke Keary, Daly Cherry-Evans, David Klemmer, Damien Cook, Jordan McLean, Boyd Cordner (capt), Felise Kaufusi, Josh McGuire. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Jake Trbojevic, Tyson Frizell, Aaron Woods. Reserves: Tyrone Peachey, Reagan Campbell-Gillard.