GREG Inglis will answer a fullback SOS from the Kangaroos after Billy Slater was ruled out of Friday night’s Anzac Test.

In a blow for Australia, Slater (shoulder) failed to prove his fitness during a 90-minute hit-out in the Kangaroos’ first training run at Langlands Park in Brisbane on Tuesday.

The Kangaroos custodian ran well for the opening 20 minutes before leaving the squad to do some one-on-one tackling work on Daly Cherry-Evans.

After a brief consultation with Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens and conditioner Alex Corvo, Slater then rejoined his teammates to complete the session _ suggesting he was almost certain to face the Kiwis.

But as soon as Sheens called an end to training, Slater fronted Australian management to inform them his shoulder would not withstand a Kiwi assault at Suncorp Stadium.

FUTURE: JUSTIN HODGES ENDORSES REPLACEMENT

media_camera Billy Slater at training with the Kangaroos.

Inglis spent most of the session at left centre but will start at fullback, with 18th man Michael Jennings to replace Inglis in the threequarters.

“I’m not far away but it’s just not quite right yet,” Slater said.

“It’s going to be a lot more physical on Friday night than it will be today.

“I wasn’t going to be selfish and go out there and play for Australia for myself, I had to think about the team. You can’t be carried through a game like this.

media_camera Greg Inglis will play fullback for the Kangaroos.

“I missed last year’s Four Nations to get my body right to be able to play this game and now the other shoulder is injured.

“It’s always frustrating but that’s the nature of the beast and you have to deal with it. I’m disappointed but comfortable with my decision.

“I wanted to make sure I could do the job and I didn’t think I could.”

Slater said his absence would barely be felt by a Kangaroos side that could call on the backline class of Inglis and Jennings.

“Greg slips straight back in to the fullback role and Jennings has been playing great footy, in terms of preparation we won’t lose anything,” he said.

“I got through a fair bit of contact stuff and felt vulnerable at times. I knew I would be in those positions in the game and I didn’t want to feel that way.

“You can’t hide in a Test match. You need to be fit and comfortable playing your role.”

Originally published as Slater out, Jennings in for Kangaroos