Test debut for Carroll
by Chris Cox
Monday October 11, 2004

Broncos lock forward Tonie Carroll is set to make his Test debut when Australia takes on New Zealand in the Tri-Nations series opener in Auckland on Saturday.

Carroll, who represented New Zealand at the 2000 World Cup, is one of four debutants named in the side by coach Wayne Bennett, which also includes five Broncos.

Bulldogs Grand Final heroes Willie Tonga and Andrew Ryan, and Penrith winger Luke Rooney are the others to wear the green and gold in a Test match for the first time.  Rooney and Carroll were impressive in an Australian Invitational XIII which defeated Papua New Guinea 70-22 in Townsville on Saturday.

However, Tonga is in doubt with a calf muscle injury, and if he is ruled out St George-Illawarra back Matt Cooper will make his debut in Tonga's place.

Captain Darren Lockyer, centre Shaun Berrigan, prop Shane Webcke and interchange forward Petero Civoniceva join Carroll as the Broncos' contingent.

Sydney Roosters' goalkicking back rower Craig Fitzgibbon was not considered due to a shoulder injury. Lockyer will take on the goalkicking duties in his absence.

Saturday's match will be televised live in New South Wales and Queensland from 2pm on Channel 9.

Australia: Anthony Minichiello, Luke Rooney, Shaun Berrigan, Willie Tonga, Matt Sing, Darren Lockyer (capt), Craig Gower, Shane Webcke, Danny Buderus, Jason Ryles, Willie Mason, Nathan Hindmarsh, Tonie Carroll. Interchange: Craig Wing, Petero Civoniceva, Ben Kennedy, Andrew Ryan.

18th man: Shaun Timmins.