Kangaroos back-rower Corey Parker says the controversy surrounding the eligibility of Semi Radradra should not be allowed to overshadow a weekend where the international game is supposed to be up in lights. 
Mal Meninga's selection of Parramatta's Fijian winger has dominated discussion since the team was announced on Tuesday. Under the current rules, Radradra can be selected for Australia, even if he can't play State of Origin.
Meninga was among those initially sceptical of handing Radradra a green and gold jumper but now had little hesitation, saying he deserved his spot on the left wing.
Parker is frustrated by the focus on Radradra and said Meninga shouldn't feel torn about the selection call. "It's irrelevant. He's eligible to play for Australia and he's been picked," Parker said. "Put it this way, I'd rather have him in the side than play against him."
The evergreen lock said the representative round was a golden opportunity to promote the much-maligned international form of the game and critics should get past the negativity tied to Radradra.
"We've got a round of football coming up that is enhancing the international game," Parker said.
"All I've heard about it over the last few days is how we can bring it down. We should be really getting behind the international game and really pumping these games up.
"There's Tonga, Fiji and Samoa ... they've come streets ahead from where they were. That's because they are getting their best players and playing regular football. I can't wait to see them go at it, particularly when you've got guys you may not have heard of pull on their national jersey." That's what we should be doing. Pumping them up."
Aside from the Kangaroos playing New Zealand in Newcastle next Friday night, there will be a Test between the Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns and the Pacific Double Header featuring Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. Those matches will be held on the Saturday after a curtain-raiser between the Junior Kangaroos and Junior Kiwis.
Meanwhile, Kodi Nikorima says Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett has not confirmed he will start at hooker against Cronulla on Sunday in the absence of injured rake Andrew McCullough. Nikorima was named in the No.9 jersey after McCullough was ruled out for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury.
But Nikorima admitted Travis Waddell, who has been selected on the bench, was a chance of making his Broncos debut in the starting side in Cronulla this weekend.
"I am not too sure yet. It doesn't bother me. I don't mind coming off the bench," Nikorima said.
The off-contract 22-year-old said the stage was set for him to not only try to nail down a new Broncos deal but also launch a last-gasp bid for Kiwis selection. The New Zealand team will be named on Sunday.
Nikorima made his Kiwi debut in last year's series in England.
If Waddell does start against the Sharks it would be his first game for Brisbane in his second year at the club.