THE Kangaroos will this week decide whether to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of their last pre-game war cry in their Rugby League World Cup opener in Melbourne.

Not since a touring Kangaroos team performed an indigenous war cry in 1967-68 has a ritual been performed by the national side before a Test match.

However final discussions are in place to introduce a historic new ritual before the Kangaroos kickoff against England at AAMI Park on Friday.

“I’m sure we’ll have a chat about it and some of the stuff that’s been talked about has been pretty good,” forward Matt Gillett said on Monday.

“Hopefully that works out and we get to do something.”

World Cup broadcasters Channel Seven are understood to have approved the idea, with the decision now resting in the hands of the playing group.

It is believed injured star Johnathan Thurston would be central to the routine, which would incorporate part of their RISE (Respect. Inspire. Selfless. Excellence) mantra.

Players began nutting out the details during their recent pre-World Cup exhibition match against Fiji and Papua New Guinea a fortnight ago.

“It would be (historic); something very proud to be a part of,” Gillett said.

“It’s not set in stone yet, we’re still discussing it and we’ve done a few things before we left for Fiji around it.

“Hopefully today we have a good chat about it and see where it’s at.” Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has previously said the concept needed to be explored, however should integrate all nationalities.

“Indigenous people are part of Australia (but) I think it’s got to be more all encompassing around multicultural values,” he said last year.

“If we can do something like that and we do it well -- that’s the more important part -- I think it’ll be a great spectacle.”

While Thurston will be central to the routine, the Kangaroos are still looking to find a way to fill his absence on the field.

Australia coach Mal Meninga will make at least six changes from the side that beat New Zealand in the mid-year Test, including the hotly-contested five-eighth spot.

Michael Morgan, Cameron Munster and James Maloney are vying for the No. 6 role, while a number of forward spots are open on the bench.

Gillett said it was important those who miss out on selection stay positive and focused on their goal of being in the final in December.

“It’s a big one but whoever he chooses, the one that misses out is not going to be disappointed,” Gillett said.

“It’s what’s best for the team and all the boys here understand that, whether it’s myself not playing or whatever.

“We’re here to do a job and that’s to be at Suncorp on December 2.

“I’m sure whoever misses out in game one, they’re going to get a chance throughout the pool games to prove themselves.”

Gillett said the 34-year-old Slater deserved to reclaim a green-and-gold jumper he hadn’t worn in three years due to a chronic shoulder injury.

“He’s done a lot this year from where he’s been with his injuries, so for Bill to be back on a personal level, he’d be pretty proud of what he’s done throughout this whole year,” Gillett said.

“Obviously he’s been there before and he’s been a stand-out in every game he pulls that Kangaroos jersey on. No doubt Friday night will be the same.”