Rugby: Wallabies name Tri-Nations squad

Wycliffe Palu has recovered from a hand injury to take his place in the Wallabies Tri-Nations squad. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - The return of NSW Waratahs No 8 Wycliff Palu and the selection of the 21-year-old Queensland Reds halfback Will Genia highlight the 30-man Wallabies squad named today for the upcoming Tri-Nations tournament.

Palu and Genia effectively replace troubled winger Lote Tuqiri and halfback Josh Valentine from the squad which contested the June internationals.

The selectors have opted for a 17-13 split between forwards and backs.

"If you look at the competition from an historical perspective, and more particularly look at the pointers from our experience last year, it is in the forward pack where our resources are most likely to come under stress," Deans said.

The selection of Genia, who joins the Western Force loose forward Matt Hodgson as an uncapped member of the squad, had been flagged after the Super 14.

His selection at that point was only prevented by the injury he sustained during a two-try performance playing against the Brumbies in Brisbane.

Genia tore a tendon in his finger but has now resumed passing and, while still to play on his return, is expected to be available for the tournament opener against the All Blacks in Auckland in two weeks.

"Had Will been available for our first squad, we would have selected him," Deans said.

Deans said the Papua New Guinea-born Genia, who represented Australia at last year's under-20 World Cup, still has major scope for improvement in his game.

"We were impressed by what we saw of his work with the Reds, and believe that he is only going to get better with time and opportunity to develop his game within our framework," he said.

Palu hasn't played for Australia since last year's spring tour win over France in Paris.

He was forced to return home after that match for a shoulder operation, and has subsequently been troubled by two separate broken bones in his left hand, although those injuries failed to prevent him from appearing in all 13 matches for the Waratahs in 2009.

The 26-year-old, who has 28 tests to his name, made his playing return at club level for Manly recently.

"Cliff is in the same position as Will, in that he would have been selected in our initial squad had he been available," Deans said.

His inclusion reinforces a loose forward unit that has been further bolstered by the return from a shoulder injury of Hodgson, who was forced from the field 40 minutes into his debut against the Barbarians at the Sydney Football Stadium last month.

Hodgson is expected to be available for the Auckland test, although Rocky Elsom, who is resting a bruised bone around his knee, may not be able to be considered until Australia's trip to South Africa at the end of the month.

"He's making progress but we won't look at getting Rocky started again until he is ready," Deans said.

Australia is looking to win the Tri-Nations for the first time since 2001.

Wallabies squad
Backs: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Luke Burgess, Quade Cooper, Ryan Cross, Will Genia, Matt Giteau, Peter Hynes, Drew Mitchell, Stirling Mortlock (capt), James O'Connor, Timana Tahu, Lachie Turner.

Forwards: Ben Alexander, Al Baxter, Richard Brown, Pek Cowan, Rocky Elsom, Matt Hodgson, James Horwill, Peter Kimlin, Stephen Moore, Dean Mumm, Wycliff Palu, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson, Nathan Sharpe, George Smith, Phil Waugh.

- AAP