MANLY’S Jake Trbojevic has been called into Australia’s Four Nations squad and could be in the frame for a shock start this Saturday after Josh Papalii’s withdrawal.

Following a stellar 2016 campaign and off the back of inking a lucrative extension with the Sea Eagles, Trbojevic will join the Australian camp in Perth for the first time ahead of the trans-Tasman Test on Saturday.

He will also travel to the UK with Mal Meninga’s 24-man touring party after Canberra and Kangaroos medical staff ruled Papalii out of the tournament.

With Test regular Aaron Woods missing the clash as he ties the knot in Sydney, Trbojevic would be a longshot to debut against the Kiwis given he will only arrive in the west late on Thursday.

But while a maiden Test jumper would be more likely to come Trbojevic’s way against Scotland in next month’s Four Nations, veteran Kangaroos prop Matt Scott says it’s Trbojevic cannot be ruled out of contention.

“He is a definite chance of playing,” Scott told reporters in Perth.

“We are very disappointed for Josh. He has been in great form this year and it is sad to see him leave the camp.

“But Jake is a great addition to the group.

“I am looking forward to spending a few weeks with him and hopefully playing alongside him.”

After just two full seasons of first grade Trbojevic, along with young brother Tom, has been tipped as a long-term NSW Origin prospect.

Trbojevic is now in the mix alongside fellow rookie forwards Tyson Frizell and Shannon Boyd for Kangaroos debuts in the next month.

The 22-year-old middle forward has been on Meninga’s radar for a while now, having played for the PM’s XIII against Papua New Guinea in the last two years.

“Jake will give us size and intimidation,” Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga said.

“It is always disappointing to lose a player of Josh’s calibre but this will be a wonderful opportunity for Jake and I’m excited to see what he can do in the green and gold jersey.”

Trbojevic’s call-up caps a big week for the Mona Vale junior. On Sunday the Sea Eagles announced he and his brother are committed to the club until the end of 2020 in a hefty $5 million package deal.

The Raiders are confident Papalii will be fit for the start of the club’s pre-season in November, with his injury believed to have been first sustained in their grand final qualifier loss to Melbourne.

This writer is on Twitter: @dan_walsh64

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