Eleven of the 23 man squad had played for Australia in their 2-1 Trans-Tasman Test series win over New Zealand earlier in the year.
Among those selected to tour but who were ultimately ruled out with injury was Penrith's incumbent Test back rower and 1991 premiership winner Mark Geyer who also missed playing in the World Club Challenge (WCC) game against English champions Wigan due to an ankle injury that required surgery (the WCC was played 4 days before the first Test in Goroka).
Also missing were Canberra Raiders halves Laurie Daley and Ricky Stuart as well as Brisbane Broncos Test half Allan Langer, with Manly-Warringah 5/8 Cliff Lyons earning a Test recall while his Sea Eagles halves partner Geoff Toovey was called up for his first taste of international football.
Australia: Gary Belcher, Willie Carne, Mal Meninga (c), Andrew Ettingshausen, Rod Wishart, Peter Jackson, Geoff Toovey, Martin Bella, Kevin Walters, Glenn Lazarus, Craig Salvatori, Ian Roberts, Bradley Clyde.
Island Zone: Normyle Eremas, Arnold Tivelit, Henry Hairoi, August Joseph, James Kapia, Willie Langer, Billy Kennedy, Pisai Maevo, Bernard Bate, David Gaius, Jimmy Peter, Ben Lakur, Apelis Walia.