League: Kangaroos recerived mixed injury news

Darren Lockyer. Photo / Getty Images

The Kangaroos have received mixed news with utility Kurt Gidley ruling himself out of the Four Nations, but captain Darren Lockyer a "95 per cent" chance of playing one more Test on home soil.

Newcastle captain Gidley has told the Australian Rugby League he needs surgery on an ongoing knee problem.

A near certainty for the 24-man Australian squad to contest the end of year tournament in the UK, Gidley will still be required to undergo a medical examination if his name is read out on Monday, an ARL official said.

Australia play a Test against New Zealand at Ausgrid Stadium on October 16 before flying out five days later for the Four Nations tournament also involving the Kiwis, England and Wales.

Lockyer, who missed Brisbane's exit from the finals at the hands of the Sea Eagles last weekend, told AAP he'd recently consulted his doctor and specialist who were both happy with his progress since having three titanium plates screwed into his fractured cheekbone 11 days ago.

"It will be five weeks when the Newcastle Test is played and by then I'll be 95 per cent fit and doctors have told me they're happy with that," he said.

Lockyer said the Australian team doctor would consult with his Brisbane specialist before giving him a clearance to play what would be his last home Test in Newcastle.

"I'm pretty confident everything will be fine," said Lockyer, who'll take part in the parade of retiring players at ANZ Stadium just prior to Sunday's NRL grand final between Manly and the Warriors.

"Once I get into camp with the Australia squad the team doctor and my specialist can work it out between them."

Lockyer, however, isn't expecting to confront the intense scrutiny he encountered before ruling himself out of Brisbane's clash with Manly following warnings he risked losing his eyesight by playing just six days after surgery.

His confidence should help ease any concerns national coach Tim Sheens has about his champion halves combination coming up against the Kiwis' dynamic duo of Benji Marshall and Kieran Foran.

North Queensland halfback Johnathan Thurston this week also dismissed talk his ongoing knee injury could prevent him playing in the Newcastle Test and hamper his Four Nations campaign.

Sheens admitted during the week Manly halfback and NRL rookie of the year Daly Cherry-Evans could play himself into the picture with a blinder in the grand final, especially if Thurston's knee prevented him playing in the Newcastle Test.

"JT's knee was still heavily strapped at the end of the (NRL) season which would suggest it was still healing," said Lockyer.

"But if JT has said he's good to go, then he's good to go which is great news."

Young gun Shaun Johnson could also earn himself a spot in New Zealand's Four Nations squad if he backs up a great debut season for the Warriors with a big effort on Sunday.

"It's a great position for the Kiwis to be in," admitted Lockyer.

"The beauty of those 24 man squads is you can take some rookies along for the experience.

"They might only get one game but it's good to expose them to that environment.

"He fits that bill. He is a very similar player to Benji so if anything were to happen he would be a very handy player to have on their squad."

- AAP