Tupou makes train-on squad

Imposing Brisbane winger Gary Tupou was called into New Zealand's train-on squad for the upcoming Tri-Nations rugby league tournament after playing just three games in first grade.

Tupou was one of the Broncos' best players - along with Shaun Berrigan and Tonie Carroll - in the NRL team's 10-0 loss to North Queensland in the semifinal at Townsville on Saturday night.

The raw-boned 21-year-old scored two tries in his first grade debut against Penrith in round 26.

Melbourne forwards Alex Chan and David Kidwell and NZ Warriors five-eighth Marcus Perenara have also been named in the Kiwis train-on squad.

The Kiwis kick off the series, which involves Great Britain and Australia, at Auckland on October 16 against the Kangaroos.

New Zealand coach Daniel Anderson is known to be a big fan of Perenara, who will play for Parramatta next season.

The 19-year-old Perenara played for Marist-Richmond Brothers in Sunday's Bartercard Cup grand final against Mt Albert Lions.

The first of the Great Britain-based Kiwis may be added to the train-on squad next weekend because the Super League play-offs start on Friday.