NRL: Kangaroos holding breath on Folau

WIth Israel Folau's footballing future up in the air, Kangaroos selectors are waiting to hear from the ARL whether the Brisbane star will be available for Friday's test against the Kiwis.

Folau, being chased by cashed-up franchises from both rugby union and AFL, effectively became a free agent on Friday when he failed to exercise an option for a further two years with the Broncos.

And while the NRL sweats over the possibility of losing one of its stars, Kangaroos chairman of selectors Bob McCarthy says he and his panel are yet to be given an indication from the ARL if Folau will be eligible to take on the Kiwis in Melbourne.

The Australian team will be named this afternoon.

"We won't get [any indication] until tomorrow," McCarthy said yesterday.

With the possibility that Folau could still shun rival codes and remain in the NRL, the ARL this week said it had no policy on picking players whose future is undecided.

But with new Super 15 franchise Melbourne Rebels believed to be Folau's likely destination, the 21-year-old could miss out on a ninth test cap as selectors pick the side for the test with an eye to the future.

Complicating matters is the fact Folau's possible unavailability could leave selectors with a dearth of experienced options in the centres, with Greg Inglis no certainty due to an ongoing ankle injury.

Incumbent Justin Hodges (Achilles tendon) and Canterbury try-scoring machine Josh Morris (eye socket) are already out, meaning Penrith speedster Michael Jennings will come firmly into the reckoning.

Parramatta superstar Jarryd Hayne has done enough to hold off the challenge from dual international Lote Tuqiri, but the battle for spots in the pack is far less clear-cut, particularly with incumbent prop Ben Hannant (knee) sidelined and concerns over Brett White's limited game time.

- AAP