Brett Kimmorley was named captain of an Australian invitational side on Wednesday but he's under no illusion as to who will wear the Kangaroos No.7 jersey when the Tri-Nations tournament gets underway.

Kimmorley is one of 11 tourists who will join forces with six members of the Junior Kangaroos to play against Papua New Guinea at Townsville's Dairy Farmers Stadium on Saturday night.

The Sharks captain was delighted to hear he would lead the invitational side but realised he would have to play a waiting game behind Penrith halfback Craig Gower when the Tri-Nations tournament gets underway on Saturday week in Auckland.

Asked whether he thought Gower would start against New Zealand in the opening Test, Kimmorley replied: "I'd say so, yeah.

"The reason for Craig not playing this week is to make sure he plays next week.

"Hopefully I get through the game well, play good and obviously keep knocking on the door and keep Craig knowing that if he plays bad or gets hurt I can step in.

"It's a long trip, play well this week and Wayne (Bennett) knows we can step in when required."

None of the eight players from the NRL grand final sides - the Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters - will play on Saturday night.

Coach Wayne Bennett has also given Gower, captain Darren Lockyer, hooker Danny Buderus, Brisbane pair Shane Webcke and Shaun Berrigan, and North Queensland's Matt Sing the weekend off.

Kimmorley, though, can't wait to play.

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