The Australian Kangaroos side has been named to face the New Zealand Kiwis at Newcastle's Hunter Stadium on Friday, May 6.
Four debutants where included in the side, but not one Bulldogs player features and the surprise omission was David Klemmer.
The hard running front-rower got his first taste in the green and gold during the 2014 four nations tournament and has since become one of the most promising front-rowers in the game.
Over the past 18 months the All Saints Toongabbie junior has taken his game to the next level and impressed on every stage, with his work ethic, intensity and consistent footy impressing many of experts, but on this occasion he was overlooked.
“I wish them all the best and they have picked a quality side. There’s not much you can do.” Klemmer said.
“I think it’s everyone’s goal to represent Australia. I have just got to keep playing good footy and hopefully one day I will get back there.”
With the representative season fast approaching and Origin on the horizon, pulling on the blue jersey is certainly in the back of Klemmer’s mind.
“It’s at the back of mind, but I have got to keep playing good footy for the Bulldogs and who knows what will come off the back of it.”
Klemmer returned to his best last weekend in the one point win over the Titans, running for more than 200 metres, making 30 tackles and getting through 55 minutes of work to make a significant impact off the bench.
He will need to bring the same attitude and commitment this weekend when the Bulldogs take on the Parramatta Eels at ANZ Stadium on Friday night in what should be a blockbuster.
It’s the final game before all 16 RNL clubs have a week off and the young prop forward knows what’s coming.
“It’s always a tough game against Parramatta. There a quality side and it’s going to be a big game for us on Friday.
“There halves are pretty good and Michael Gordon is going well. They have some nippy players that can cause some danger.”