Penrith backrower Trent Waterhouse has capped off a memorable day by being named as 18th man for the Australian rugby league team.

Just hours after re-signing with NRL club the Panthers until the end of 2008, Waterhouse, 24, was added to the Kangaroos squad to cover any injury problems.

A Kangaroos official said Waterhouse had been drafted in as a precaution. However, lock Ben Kennedy missed Australian training at Southport with knee and thumb injuries.

Waterhouse will enter camp at Southport before travelling with the Kangaroos to Brisbane in preparation for Friday night's Test against New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium.

"Waterhouse will remain on standby in Brisbane to cover any injury problems - he will train with the team and attend the match," an official said.

Waterhouse's memorable day also included re-signing for the Panthers where he went from part-time storeman to Kangaroo in a remarkable 2003 NRL season.

Waterhouse has played four Tests and two Origin matches for NSW to date.

"We're very happy that Trent has extended his contract with us," Penrith general manager Michael Leary said.

"He's another local junior who has played for Australia and we believe he will represent his country many more times in the future."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP