Craig Fitzgibbon was instantly recalled into an expanded Australian team for Saturday's return Tri-Nations rugby league Test against New Zealand, while Brent Tate remains on the outer.

Fitzgibbon missed the 16-16 draw against New Zealand in Auckland last Saturday with an ongoing sternum and shoulder injury but coach Wayne Bennett added the goalkicking second rower and Shaun Timmins to the same 17 players which drew with the Kiwis.

Bennett will cut two players from the 19-man squad later in the week for the match at Loftus Rd in west London.

Fitzgibbon injured his sternum and shoulder six weeks ago and while he played through the pain during the Roosters' finals campaign and grand final loss, he needed a break last week.

"I was stuck at the time. If I played the Test last week I might not have lasted the distance on tour," he said.

"It needs time to heal but I didn't have time with the semis and grand final.

"But it's something that I've been playing with for a while, so I'll be right. It won't be a problem."

The injury should be given at least a month to heal properly but Fitzgibbon is happy to wait until after the Tri-Nations series.

"My enthusiasm level is still there. It was nice to have a little rest last week but I can't wait to pull on the green and gold again," Fitzgibbon said.

"Every time you play in the green and gold is an honour.

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