Dale Finucane knew he was in the Country side – just no one bothered to tell the Melbourne Storm forward he would be in the No. 8 jersey.

Finucane was rewarded for a strong start to the season by gaining his second Country jersey after starting from the bench last year.

The ex-Bulldog is keen to link  with former teammate Josh Jackson, who has been named at lock.

"I spoke with Josh already about the game," Finucane said.

"I'm surprised he missed out on the Australian team. I was a little bit surprised when I found out I was wearing the eight jersey.

"I haven't spoken to anyone in regards to position but I will play anywhere.

"These days the role of the eight, 10 and 13 you do exactly the same thing in most teams.

"The only difference is the standing position in the kick-off."

Luke Keary will have his first chance to impress for a once unwanted NSW jersey after being named to partner Josh Reynolds in the halves for City.

Reynolds and Keary will form the scrum combination with NSW incumbent Trent Hodkinson and the Roosters No.7 Mitchell Pearce rested for the game.

They will line up against James Maloney and Jarrod Mullen who will play in the halves for Country.

City will feature Test players including  Dylan Walker,  Daniel Tupou, Andrew Fifita, and David Klemmer. Walker will be subject to a fitness test after injuring his knee for the Rabbitohs on Sunday.

Jackson is the only recent Kangaroo player for Country which will also see ex-Australian players Kade Snowden and Akuila Uate feature.

Finucane believed the match – to be played in Wagga Wagga on Sunday – to be a genuine Origin audition.

"I'm very excited to play," Finucane said.

"There were lots of guys who played last year who went on to earn selections in the Origin team.

"Aaron Woods was one guy who cemented his Origin spot after the game last year.

"It's a really good gauge leading into Origin.

"It's the next level up [from club football]. It's a bit faster.

"The best bit is going to the country areas and playing there because they don't get to witness a lot of football.

"It's good to get into the community and the schools."'

Finucane has impressed for the Storm since being a late off-season switch from Canterbury.

"I'm still adjusting to Melbourne," Finucane said.

"I'm enjoying it. There is the luxury for me of playing a few more minutes and having a more important role within the side.

"I'm still progressing parts of my game."

Meanwhile, Richie Fa'aoso has capped a remarkable return to rugby league after being named in the Tongan squad to play Samoa on Saturday.

• City: Matt Moylan, James Roberts, Dylan Walker, Waqa Blake, Daniel Tupou, Josh Reynolds, Luke Keary, Andrew Fifita, Nathan Peats, David Klemmer, Curtis Sironen, Wade Graham (c) Tyrone Peachey. Interchange: Blake Austin, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Kane Evans, Jason Clark. 18th Man Joseph Paulo.
• Country:  David Mead, Akuila Uate, Jarrod Croker, Jack Wighton, James McManus, James Maloney (c), Jarrod Mullen, Dale Finucane, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Kade Snowden, Joel Thompson, Tyson Frizell. Josh Jackson. Interchange: Jack Bird, Paul Vaughan, Tariq Sims, Ryan James.