Australia named 10 uncapped players yesterday in their 24-man squad for the Four Nations series.

Newcastle utility player Sione Mata’utia and rookie South Sydney winger Alex Johnston head up the new faces hoping to make their debut when the Kangaroos open their title defence against New Zealand in Brisbane on October 25.

Coach Tim Sheens has been forced to dig deep into his reserves following a host of big-name withdrawals.

From the side that defeated the Kiwis in the Anzac Test in May, Johnathan Thurston (shoulder), Billy Slater (shoulder), Brett Morris (shoulder), Matt Scott (shoulder), Nate Myles (biceps), James Tamou (neck) and Matt Gillett (shoulder) are unavailable.

In addition, New South Wales captain Paul Gallen was not considered due to an anti-doping ban, while Darius Boyd (personal issues), Justin Hodges (knee), Josh Dugan (thumb), Trent Merrin (shoulder), Will Hopoate (leg), Dave Taylor (neck) and Andrew Fifita (arm) were also out of the reckoning.

“We have a really good blend of experience and youth,” said Sheens.

“The positive for me is the experience that even the debutants have. We have a high proportion of State of Origin representatives and premiership winners and they all deserve to wear the jumper.”