LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
South Sydney Rabbitohs hooker Damien Cook has received another blow after being left out of the Kangaroos' extended train-on squad.
This comes as a disappointment for Cook and adds to the frustration following his team's disappointing end to the NRL season.
The experienced No.9 was also excluded from the Australia squad that won the World Cup last year, indicating that his international career may be coming to an end.
Cook has been a consistent presence in representative football for several years but faced competition for his starting position from Reece Robson during this year's State of Origin series.
In Game II, Cook was famously forced to play in the centres after coming off the bench to replace the injured Tom Trbojevic.
However, he was later reinstated as the starting hooker by coach Brad Fittler in Game III, leading to a morale-boosting victory for New South Wales.
Robson has once again been preferred as one of the hooker options for the Kangaroos, as their initial squad was revealed.
Another notable omission from coach Mal Meninga's train-on squad is Bulldogs star Matt Burton.
On the other hand, Zac Lomax and J'maine Hopgood have been named as surprise selections.
Despite Cook's exclusion, several of his Rabbitohs teammates, including Latrell Mitchell, Cameron Murray, and Campbell Graham, have been chosen for the Kangaroos squad.
Additionally, South Sydney's Cody Walker has the opportunity to make his Test debut.