WALLABIES coach Michael Cheika has named six uncapped players in a 36 man training squad ahead of the opening Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney on August 18.

As reported by foxsports.com.au the squad includes 18-year-old Reds sensation Jordan Petaia, who shone in Friday night’s trial at Leichhardt Oval.

Petaia and fellow uncapped centre Billy Meakes (Rebels) add cover to the midfield after injuries ruled out Test regulars Samu Kerevi and Tevita Kuridrani.

“(Petaia) understands he’s earned a chance to be with the squad and get a taste of it,” Cheika said.

“The opportunities are limitless, according to how he develops.”

The other uncapped players are Rebels prop Jermaine Ainsley, Brumbies hooker Folau Faingaa, Brumbies fullback Tom Banks and Rebels outside back Jack Maddocks.

Playmaker Matt Toomua returns to the squad after signing with the Rebels while veteran hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau has also been selected after Cheika elected to rest the 33-year-old in the Ireland series in June.

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Captain Michael Hooper will continue his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury while Super Rugby champion Pete Samu will join the training camp in Cessnock after completing his club duties with the Crusaders.

“I’ve been told he’ll (Hooper) be back to full training on Monday so both himself and Allan Alaalatoa were the two players apart from Dane (Haylett-Petty) who haven’t done yet,” Cheika said

“We’ll have to check Scotty (Sio) as well now, have to see how he pulls up after the game.

“I’m told he’ll be back training tomorrow.”

Cheika confirmed Banks was pushing for a Test debut after again impressing in Friday’s trial game.

“He’s got improvement to do as well, but I think he’s very willing and that goes a long way,” Cheika said.

“He’s certainly put himself up there and he had plenty of involvements.

“He got noticed by a lot of people, so he wouldn’t have done himself any harm.”

Cheika confirmed Rebels utility Reece Hodge and Waratahs centre Curtis Rona were competing to wear the No 13 jersey against the All Blacks at ANZ Stadium.

“We’ll have a look at a few other options, but you’d have to think it’s narrowing down to between those two guys.”

WALLABIES SQUAD (Test caps, Super Rugby side and age)

Forwards

Jermaine Ainsley (uncapped, Rebels, 22)

Allan Alaalatoa (23 Tests, Brumbies, 24)

Rory Arnold (15 Tests, Brumbies, 28)

Adam Coleman (23 Tests, Rebels, 26)

Folau Faingaa (uncapped, Brumbies, 23)

Ned Hanigan (13 Tests, Waratahs, 23)

Michael Hooper (82 Tests, Waratahs, 26)

Sekope Kepu (94 Tests, Waratahs, 32)

Tolu Latu (7 Tests, Waratahs, 25)

Brandon Paenga-Amosa (3 Tests, Reds, 22)

David Pocock (69 Tests, Brumbies, 30)

Tatafu Polota-Nau (82 Tests, Leicester, 33)

Tom Robertson (21 Tests, Waratahs, 23)

Izack Rodda (7 Tests, Reds, 21)

Pete Samu (3 Tests, Brumbies, 26)

Rob Simmons (85 Tests, Waratahs, 29)

Scott Sio (46 Tests, Brumbies, 26)

Caleb Timu (2 Tests, Reds, 24)

Lukhan Tui (7 Tests, Reds, 21)

Taniela Tupou (4 Tests, Reds, 22)

Backs

Tom Banks (uncapped, Brumbies, 24)

Kurtley Beale (74 Tests, Waratahs, 29)

Israel Folau (65 Tests, Waratahs, 29)

Bernard Foley (58 Tests, Waratahs, 28)

Will Genia (90 Tests, Rebels, 30)

Dane Haylett-Petty (21 Tests, Rebels, 29)

Reece Hodge (27 Tests, Rebels, 23)

Marika Koroibete (11 Tests, Rebels, 26)

Jack Maddocks (uncapped, Rebels, 21)

Billy Meakes (uncapped, Rebels, 27)

Sefa Naivalu (7 Tests, Rebels, 26)

Jordan Petaia (uncapped, Reds, 18)

Nick Phipps (64 Tests, Waratahs, 29)

Joe Powell (4 Tests, Brumbies, 24)

Curtis Rona (3 Tests, Waratahs, 26)

Matt Toomua (33 Tests, Leicester/Rebels, 28)