Three days after contemplating retirement from representative rugby league, Shaun Timmins was handed a Kangaroos lifeline when Michael Crocker was forced out of the Tri-Nations tournament.

Timmins was devastated on Monday when he missed selection in the 25-man Australian squad to tour England, France and the United States, prompting the 28-year-old to consider fast-tracking his representative retirement.

But that was the furthest thing from his mind.

Timmins was on holiday with his girlfriend in Bali when he received news of his belated call-up and will return to Sydney on Saturday to join his teammates.

"It was a bit of a shock because I was over here," Timmins told AAP from Bali.

"I was looking forward to going. Not to get in was disappointing. That's why I came over here, so I wouldn't worry about it and could take it easy.

"At least I'll cut it (the holiday) short for good reason."

Timmins was desperate to tour, having missed last year's trip and the 2001 Ashes series with knee problems.

In a strange twist of fate, he now gets his chance through injury.

Crocker was officially ruled out with a neck injury on Thursday morning after consultation between Australian Rugby League doctor Hugh Hazard, Roosters medico John Orchard and coach Wayne Bennett.

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