One on One - Head to Head

Heres how the players stack up for tomorrow nights Test match in Brisbane.

AUSTRALIA

Fullback: ANTHONY MINICHIELLO (Club: Sydney Roosters; Age: 24, Record: 12th test for Australia 2003-05)

Held out strong challenge from Penrith's Rhys Wesser and Melbourne flyer Billy Slater to keep No.1 jersey. Key attacking weapon. Form rating: 8.5 (out of 10)

Wingers

LUKE ROONEY (Penrith; 22, 6th test for Australia 2004-05)

Tall, mobile try-scoring machine has hit the ground running in 2005 after lighting up Australia's triumphant Tri Nations campaign. Rating: 8.0

MATT SING (North Queensland; 30, 14th test for Australia 1995-2005)

Announced international retirement after 2004 Tri-Nations heroics but changed mind following inclusion in the 25 greatest Queensland Origin players recently. Deceptively strong, dangerous under the high ball. Rating: 9.0

Centres

SHAUN BERRIGAN (Brisbane; 26, 7th test for Australia 2004-05)

Established as a premier centre after the successful Tri-Nations tour and has again helped the Broncos gallop into the NRL top five in 2005. His 178cm, 87kg frame belies a bruising defender and consistent line breaker. Rating: 8.0

WILLIE TONGA (Bulldogs; 21, 6th test for Australia 2004-05)

Exploded onto the representative scene last season on his way to Premiership success with Bulldogs and Tri-Nations tour honours. Game breaker but also a confidence player. Rating: 8.0

Five-eighth

DARREN LOCKYER (captain; Brisbane; 28, 25th test for Australia 1998-2005)

Confirmed legendary status when he effortlessly moved from fullback to five-eighth last season. An old head on young shoulders with the complete game. A match winner. Rating: 9.5

Halfback

BRETT KIMMORLEY (Cronulla; 25, 14th test for Australia 1999-2005)

Incumbent test halfback but finally picked as Australian No.7 on form. Keen to nail down test halfback role with the likes of Penrith's Craig Gower threatening. His kicking game and vision has revitalised Cronulla this season. Rating: 9.5

Props

STEVE PRICE (New Zealand Warriors; 31, 5th test for Australia 1998-2005)

Fills massive shoes left by good friend Shane Webcke comfortably. The big Queenslander has picked up as Warriors skipper this year where he left off as Bulldogs captain last season. Tireless worker. Rating: 8.5

PETERO CIVONICEVA (Brisbane; 28, 15th test for Australia 2001-05)

Harder to stop than his name is to pronounce. The 110kg, 193cm battering ram has not slowed down since tasting Tri-Nations success. Rating: 8.0

Hooker

LUKE PRIDDIS (Penrith; 28, test debut)

Emerges from Danny Buderus' shadow after the Newcastle rake - who has held the No.9 Test jersey since 2001 - left his comeback from injury too late. Finally adds to 1997 Super League test appearance. Rating: 8.5

Secondrow

NATHAN HINDMARSH (Parramatta; 25, 7th test for Australia 2004-05)

Bowral-born Hindmarsh looks like a big country kid but is all business on the field. Workaholic who powers through 80 minutes with no complaints. Can still stand out in hot-and-cold Eels outfit. Rating: 9.0

CRAIG FITZGIBBON (Sydney Roosters; 27, 9th test for Australia 2002-05)

Strong, mobile backrower who adds the icing on the cake with his impeccable goalkicking. An ace up coach Wayne Bennett's sleeve. Rating: 8.5

Lock

TONIE CARROLL (Brisbane; 29, 6th test for Australia 2004-05, 5 tests for New Zealand 2000)

New Zealand-born Carroll copped plenty after making himself available for the Kangaroos last season but is now almost first pick by Australian coach Wayne Bennett. Bone-jarring defender. Rating: 8.0

Interchange:

BEN KENNEDY (Manly; 31, 6th test for Australia 2001-05) Veteran backrower says he will make his Test swansong at Brisbane. Rating: 8.5

CRAIG WING (Sydney Roosters; 12th test for Australia 2002-04) Class utility. Rating: 8.5

MARK O'MELEY (Bulldogs; 23, 3rd test for Australia 2004-05) Picked after one game back from injury. Rating: 7.5.

TRENT WATERHOUSE (Penrith Panthers) Powerhouse prop from Penrith who replaces an injured Jason Ryles. Rating 8.5. Australian form rating total: 144

NEW ZEALAND

Fullback

JEROME ROPATI (New Zealand Warriors; 20, test debut)

Known more as a half, Ropati is also remembered as the bloke who shattered Newcastle halfback Andrew Johns' jaw. After just six first grade games, picked in test team after a back injury to Warriors teammate Brent Webb. Rating: 7.5

Wingers

JAMAAL LOLESI (Bulldogs; 24, 2nd test for New Zealand 2004-05)

Utility back who has not let speculation over his club future distract him from trying to help revitalise the Bulldogs' ailing NRL form. Very strong defender. Rating: 8.0

MATT UTAI (Bulldogs; 23, 4th test for New Zealand 2002-04)

What the 168cm Utai lacks in size, he makes up for in strength. With legs like tree trunks, the pocket rocket has made a habit of steamrolling multiple defenders over the try-line. Will be keen to dismiss recent question marks under the high ball. Rating: 8.0

Centres

NIGEL VAGANA (Cronulla; 30, 27th test for New Zealand 1998-2005)

Veteran international settles back into the centres after a nightmare Anzac test stint as fill-in fullback last year. Has not lost any of his attacking venom over the years. Rating: 8.0

PAUL WHATUIRA (Wests Tigers; 23, 5th test for New Zealand 2004-05)

Got a taste of rep footy last year and it obviously agreed with him. Whatuira left Penrith where he enjoyed premiership success to emerge in 2005 as a spark for a surprise Wests Tigers finals run. Rating: 9.0

Five-eighth

BENJI MARSHALL (Wests Tigers; 20, test debut)

Much has been said about whether the injury-prone youngster with just 15 first grade appearances is ready for test football. But no one can doubt his talent. His trademark step is reason enough to watch. Rating: 9.5

Halfback

THOMAS LEULUAI (London Broncos; 19, 7th test for New Zealand 2003-05)

The teenager has been closely watched by Australia since he sparked New Zealand's shock 2003 win over the Kangaroos at Auckland - on debut. Behind the eight ball after touching down at the Kiwis' Gold Coast camp on Monday night after a 24-hour flight from England. Rating: 8.0

Props

PAUL RAUHIHI (North Queensland, 31, 12th test for New Zealand 2002-05)

Reigning Dally M Prop of the Year has stepped in for injured Cowboys captain Travis Norton in 2005 with aplomb. One of league's great characters. Ferocity on the field is matched by his off-beat humour off it. Rating: 9.0

RUBEN WIKI (captain, New Zealand Warriors; 32, 44th test for New Zealand 1994-2005)

More than a decade in the international arena has honed Wiki into an inspirational player. Now just two tests behind Gary Freeman's New Zealand record. Straight back into the side after a lengthy NRL suspension. Rating: 7.5

Hooker

LOUIS ANDERSON (New Zealand Warriors, 19, 6th test for New Zealand 2004-05)

The teenaged utility is part of the emerging Kiwi young brigade but faces a daunting task going toe to toe with the far more experienced Priddis. Rating: 7.5

Secondrow

FRANK PRITCHARD (Penrith; 21, test debut)

Explosive runner described as the next Sonny Bill Williams. Coincidentally he replaces the injured Williams in the test team. Rating: 8.5

WAIRANGI KOOPU (New Zealand Warriors; 25, 3rd test for New Zealand 2004-05)

Steps up after injuries ensured Williams, Joe Galuvao and Tony Puletua were unavailable for selection. Rating: 7.5

Lock

DAVID KIDWELL (Melbourne; 27, 11th test for New Zealand 1999-2005)

He's come a long way from his Adelaide Rams days. Slots into starting team for injured Sione Faumuina with whispers that he might begin at pivot to protect young Marshall. Rating: 8.5

Interchange:

DENE HALATAU (Wests Tigers; 22, 3rd test for New Zealand 2004-05) Has been one of the keys to Wests Tigers' strong start to the season. Rating: 8.0

JASON CAYLESS (Sydney Roosters; 25, 9th test for New Zealand 2002-05) Fearsome when in full flight, certain to add starch from the bench. Rating: 8.5

ROY ASOTASI (Bulldogs; 23, 5th test for New Zealand 2004-05) Physical utility forward who can turn a game. Rating: 8.0

CLINTON TOOPI (New Zealand Warriors; 25, 12th test for New Zealand 2001-05) Known as a centre, Toopi adds plenty of experience after coming into the side following Faumuina's withdrawal. Rating: 8.0

New Zealand form rating total: 139.