Australian rugby league coach Chris Anderson believes New Zealand has shown its hand with the selection of Willie Talau at five-eighth for Friday night's Test at Aussie Stadium.

Kiwi selectors dropped a bombshell when they named Talau, who made his reputation in the centres with the Bulldogs, in the No.6 jersey.

The 27-year-old has been running around in Premier League for the `Dogs and only made his return from a knee injury for the club on Saturday.

But that didn't stop Kiwi selectors picking him to oppose Shaun Timmins in the trans-Tasman clash.

"I'm surprised he's in the side at five-eighth," Anderson said.

"That probably says a lot about the way they're going to play. It will be a tough Test match. Stacey (Jones) is the only ball player they have got.

"I don't think they're going to go around us a lot."

The Kangaroos, on the other hand, contained few surprises, although Newcastle and NSW pair Matthew Gidley and Timana Tahu missed out.

National selectors instead opted for Queensland duo Brent Tate and Matt Sing, two of the seven Maroons named in the Test side for the clash with the Kiwis.

The Maroons were pushing for eight, but Shaun Berrigan lost out to Timmins for the No.6 jersey and Craig Wing on the interchange bench.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP