Reece Walsh's appearance at fullback and James Tedesco's limited role as a spectator were early surprises at training on Monday.
The session took place at Sydney Olympic Park, where the Wallabies were scheduled to train after their rugby league counterparts.
Another unexpected moment came when Wallabies coach Les Kiss approached Kangaroos captain Isaah Yeo before Yeo had left the field.
Kiss had followed the Penrith, NSW and Australia captain's career since coaching Yeo's father, Justin, in North Sydney lower grades almost three decades ago.
Despite that connection, Kiss and Yeo had never met before their conversation on the hot Monday.
Tedesco, the Clive Churchill Medallist, was reduced to watching as the training unfolded.