Fifita added to Kangaroos train-on squad

Cronulla prop Andrew Fifita is one step closer to completing a meteoric rise to Test footballer after being added to the Kangaroos train-on squad for the end of year World Cup.

Fifita was one of eight players added to the squad on Monday, but was the only uncapped addition alongside Sharks teammates Todd Carney, Paul Gallen and Luke Lewis.

Melbourne quartet Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk, Ryan Hoffman and Kangaroos skipper Cameron Smith were also added following the Storm's elimination from the finals with their 18-16 defeat to Newcastle on Saturday night.

Smith, Cronk, Slater, Gallen and Lewis are certainties to be included in the 24-man squad to head to England to attempt to win back the World Cup, while Fifita is also considered a strong contender following a breakout year for the Sharks.

After being told he was unwanted by Wests Tigers at the end of the 2011 NRL season, Fifita took his game to a new level in 2013 to become a mainstay of the NSW Origin pack.

North Queensland pair Matt Scott and James Tamou shape as coach Tim Sheens' first-choice props, but Fifita is tipped to find himself a spot in the extended squad.

His selection could make for an awkward re-acquaintance with Sheens, who was coach of the Tigers at the time Fifita was let go.

AAP