Josh Papalii has been axed from the Australian rugby league team for the ANZAC Test and now star halfback Johnathan Thurston is in doubt for the clash.
Jonathan Thurston Photo: Photosport
Canberra forward Papalii has been withdrawn from the Kangaroos team after pleading guilty to a drink driving charge.
The Raiders announced it would wait until Monday before deciding on a punishment for their star player, however, the NRL stepped in prior to next week's Kangaroos camp.
"Given that Josh pleaded guilty to drink driving we believe it is inappropriate for him to join the Kangaroos camp," CEO Todd Greenberg said.
"We would expect that the decision to stand him down from the Test will be taken into consideration when the Raiders Board considers the matter next week."
Kangaroos Coach Mal Meninga said he supported the decision by the NRL to stand down Papalii from the ANZAC Test next Friday.
Canberra Raiders prop Shannon Boyd has been included on the Kangaroos interchange bench following the withdrawal of Papalii.
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles forward Jake Trbojevic is the Kangaroos' new 18th man.
Meanwhile, North Queensland captain Johnathan Thurston was ruled out of last night's NRL clash with Parramatta, putting him in doubt for the Test against the Kiwis.
Thurston was expected to make a sorely-needed return for the Cowboys but his troublesome calf flared up late in the afternoon.
The late scratching of the star halfback was a blow the Cowboys couldn't recover from as they slumped to a 26-6 loss.
Following last night's other game, Manly have the rest of the NRL looking over their shoulders after their 46-8 rout of South Sydney.
