Newcastle five-eighth Jarrod Mullen has been picked in the Country squad to play City next Friday, despite facing a possible suspension.

Mullen was placed on report for a dangerous throw during Saturday night's heavy loss to Melbourne but selectors want him to take on City halfback Mitchell Pearce in Albury.

The NSW hopeful said he was confident he would face no action over the tackle.

"I didn't see the replay but I'm not that type of player," Mullen said.

"No, not really (I'm not nervous), I didn't think there was much in it but I haven't seen the replay.

"I'll see what happens...."

Mullen and St George Illawarra five-eighth Jamie Soward will run the show for coach Laurie Daley in a direct audition for the Blues halves spot.

The other big attraction will be the battle between fullbacks Jarryd Hayne (City) and Josh Dugan (Country), while Robbie Farah will take on the captaincy for City as well as charge into his hooking duel with Michael Ennis.

There were several high profile omissions from both squads on Sunday.

Star Dragons centre Mark Gasnier is missing through injury as were Manly trio Jason King (ribs), Anthony Watmough (ankle) and Jamie Lyon (excused).

Gasnier picked up a calf strain on Sunday afternoon while carving up Parramatta rookie Jacob Loko in the Dragons 30-0 victory, while Lyon's request to be exempt from the game was accepted by Country coach Laurie Daley.

Wests Tigers utility Tim Moltzen was a late selection for Country after both Dragons hooker Dean Young and Gold Coast lock Greg Bird were ruled out.

City also sprang some surprises, picking little-used Dragon Adam Cuthbertson, Bulldogs five-eighth Kris Keating and young backrower Tom Symonds ahead of Roosters captain Braith Anasta.

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