Schmidt said in May his eyes were firmly on the British and Irish Lions series, in July 2025. With only 13 Tests between then and now, the Kiwi coach appears keen to use all available game time on players who’ll be on deck.

The absence of Nawaqanitawase is in direct contrast to the selection of Waratahs-bound star Joseph Suaalii in the NSW Origin team for Wednesday night’s opening game. The pair will effectively trade places at the Roosters and Waratahs next season.

Debate raged in the NRL about whether Suaalii should be selected for State of Origin given his impending switch to Rugby Australia and the Waratahs. But in handing Suaalii a debut, NSW coach Michael Maguire said Suaalii’s future wasn’t a consideration.

Other Waratahs included in the Wallabies’ train-on squad, according to informed sources, are winger Dylan Pietsch, five-eighth Tane Edmed, flanker Charlie Gamble, halfback Jake Gordon, lock Miles Amatosero, back-rower Langi Gleeson and centre Lalakai Foketi.

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Beale’s inclusion comes after a mid-season return to the Force as injury cover, and before that, following a season out of professional rugby. Beale was stood down in late 2022 after being charged with sexual assault but after being acquitted in February, was able to return to rugby.

Also included in the Wallabies’ train-on squad from the Force are halfback Nic White, centres Bayley Kuenzle and Hamish Stewart, five-eighth Ben Donaldson, flanker Carlo Tizzano and lock Izack Rodda.

Players from the Rebels, Reds and Brumbies will be added to the squad as they finish in the Super Rugby finals, which begin this weekend. Schmidt will name his squad for the July Tests towards the end of the month, when all Australian sides have finished in Super Rugby Pacific.

Schmidt is set to select players from Australian sides only for the July Tests. However Will Skelton, Marika Koroibete and Samu Kerevi are likely to be considered for the Rugby Championship under the Giteau Law, which permits Wallaby coaches to select three overseas-based players.

Injured players such as Angus Bell, Dave Porecki and Max Jorgensen were not considered for the train-on squads.

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