Johnathan Thurston a doubt for Australia as Cameron Smith prepares for 50th Test cap

Australia are waiting on Johnathan Thurston's fitness ahead of the ANZAC Test against New Zealand in Canberra.

Thurston has been named in Mal Meninga's team for next Friday's clash but has missed North Queensland's last two games with a calf injury.

Meninga has resisted the temptation to call up Billy Slater, who recently returned to action after the best part of two years out with shoulder trouble - Darius Boyd keeps him out of the team.

David Klemmer takes injured prop Matt Scott's place in the front row and Will Chambers slots in at left centre to replace Greg Inglis, while Sam Thaiday is recalled after missing the Four Nations final with a fractured eye socket.

The match will mark the 50th Test for captain Cameron Smith who will become only the second player after his predecessor Darren Lockyer to reach the half-century.

"This is an incredibly important game for us, coming in a World Cup year," Meninga said.

"Any Test match is important, but the fact this will be Cameron's 50th Test match certainly adds some extra significance.

"Cameron's incredible milestones will form a significant part of our week."

Australia: D Boyd (Brisbane); B Ferguson (Sydney Roosters), W Chambers (Melbourne), J Dugan (St George Illawarra), V Holmes (Cronulla); J Thurston (North Queensland), C Cronk (Melbourne); A Woods (Wests Tigers), C Smith (Melbourne, capt), D Klemmer (Canterbury), B Cordner (Sydney Roosters), M Gillett (Brisbane), T Merrin (Penrith).

Subs: M Morgan (North Queensland), T Frizell (St George Illawarra), J Papalii (Canberra), S Thaiday (Brisbane).