Canberra star Todd Carney claimed his first representative honour today after being named five-eighth for NSW Country in next Friday's clash with NSW City at WIN Stadium.

Carney will partner Parramatta halfback Brett Finch in the halves for the annual clash that this year is shaping as a genuine trial for the NSW halfback position.

Manly fullback Brett Stewart, unluckily dumped from the Australian team today due to Billy Slater's sensational form, was named in the No.1 jersey in a Country team laden with former Test stars.

Parramatta star Nathan Hindmarsh is another dumped Kangaroo in this side, while Danny Buderus, Jamie Lyon, Matt Cooper, Craig Fitzgibbon and Andrew Ryan have also worn the green and gold.

Buderus was named for Country despite pleas from his Newcastle coach Brian Smith to let the NSW captain sit out the trial to avoid injury.

Gold Coast forward Anthony Laffranchi, unluckily overlooked for an Australian spot, was named in the front row as selectors left out possible prop contenders including Cronulla's Luke Douglas and St George Illawarra's Jason Ryles.

Manly's Glenn Stewart will make his debut for Country off the bench, along with Tigers forward Chris Heighington and Cronulla fullback Brett Kearney.

The team:

Brett Stewart, Joel Monaghan, Jamie Lyon, Matt Cooper, Anthony Quinn, Todd Carney, Brett Finch, Brett White, Danny Buderus (capt), Anthony Laffranchi, Nathan Hindmarsh, Andrew Ryan, Craig Fitzgibbon.

Interchange: Ben Cross, Chris Heighington, Brett Kearney, Glenn Stewart.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP