Australian rugby league coach Tim Sheens has warned his Four Nations squad that a win will not be enough to save poorly performing players from the selection axe.

The Kangaroos are expected to roll through Papua New Guinea in their season opener on Sunday but Sheens said even in the case of a solid victory, he'll be keeping tabs on individual performances.

With the withdrawals of Greg Inglis, Johnathan Thurston and Jarryd Hayne taking away three `certainties' from the side, there is a heightened sense of competition for positions in the green and gold line-up.

While team leaders like Darren Lockyer, Cameron Smith, Petero Civoniceva and Billy Slater are being given more leniency, Sheens was adamant that he'll make changes if players don't pull their weight in any given game.

"The criteria for this level in Test matches is each Test match is your season," Sheens said.

"In other words, sometimes you don't get another chance, and last year (when Australia drew with New Zealand) we did change the side for game two.

"Game one isn't just a matter of winning the game, it's a matter of playing well individually in that game to be there for England, and then to be there for New Zealand will be the same thing."

Sheens said Australia's historical dominance means they're always on a hiding to nothing in Test series.

For that reason, names and reputations won't count for much as the coaching staff attempt to settle on their best team ahead of an anticipated appearance in the final on November 13.

"We can't afford to slip up. We're under the pump, we know it," Sheens said.

"If we win we're given no credit, if we lose they'll be coming chasing me.

"There have been some massive changes in the Australian side. I've seen Wally Lewis dropped and Alfie Langer lost his spot ... when Ricky Stuart made the Test side.

"There's always going to be players who have earned the right given their long time in the team that they can afford a less than champion game, but they can't afford a shocker. There are players, even veterans, in this side who need to produce every time they're playing."

Sheens said that England and New Zealand would be justified in thinking Australia had lost some of their punch, with the players who have been sidelined.

The coach admitted that the absence of Inglis in particular could make a difference in a big game.

Kangaroos fullback Slater doesn't believe the high-profile absences have made a difference to the feel of the camp, but said he's well aware of the cut-throat pressure on players.

"There's no doubt about that. You're playing for Australia, it doesn't matter who you're playing against, you are always expected to perform," Slater said.

"Tim certainly let us know what he was thinking last year when we played the first game and it wasn't our best game against the Kiwis, and he made about four or five changes."

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