Darren Lockyer leads Australia. Photo / Getty Images

We profile the form of the four sides heading into league's 2009 showcase international event.

The Kiwis, favourites Australia, and tournament hosts England and France face off in the inaugural Four Nations.

NEW ZEALAND
* v Australia, London October 25
* v France, Toulouse November 1
* v England, Huddersfield November 8

Gone are the days when Warriors dominated the ranks of the Kiwis.

This squad contains just three, with two them, Kevin Locke and Ben Matulino, fringe selections.

The rest are the best of the Kiwi talent in the NRL still walking at this time of year, with Wigan's Thomas Leuluai thrown in for good measure.

Undoubtedly the side has been hit hard by injury withdrawals, with Warriors standouts Manu Vatuvei, Sam Rapira and Simon Mannering and former national captain Roy Asotasi headlining a long list.

What's left is the spine of the 2008 World Cup-winning team - Benji Marshall, Nathan Fien, Lance Hohaia, Isaac Luke and Leuluai - with a heap of young prospects thrown in.

There is promise in abundance, with the likes of Locke, Kieran Foran, Jarred Waera-Hargreaves just setting out on what should be notable careers.

But those three look like babes in the woods in comparison with the galaxy of stars in the Kangaroos. Still, the Kiwis thrive on being underdogs.

If they can get past England in Huddersfield and into the final at Elland Road on November 15, they will have a chance to lift the trophy.

Coach: Stephen Kearney

Squad: Bronson Harrison (Canberra Raiders), Greg Eastwood, Bryson Goodwin (Canterbury Bulldogs), Kieran Foran, Steve Matai, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Manly Sea Eagles), Adam Blair, Jeff Lima (Melbourne Storm), Junior Sau (Newcastle Knights), Lance Hohaia, Kevin Locke, Ben Matulino (New Zealand Warriors), Krisnan Inu, Fuifui Moimoi (Parramatta Eels), Frank Pritchard (Penrith Panthers), Issac Luke (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Nathan Fien, Jason Nightingale (St George Illawarra Dragons), Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Sam Perrett, Iosia Soliola (Sydney Roosters), Benji Marshall (c) (Wests Tigers), Thomas Leuluai (Wigan Warriors).

AUSTRALIA
* v New Zealand, London October 25
* v England, Wigan November 1
* v France, Paris November 8

The Kangaroos squad looks as strong as ever, although its major strength is clearly in the backs.

Darren Lockyer and Jonathan Thurston form a dream halves combination, Justin Hodges and Greg Inglis will be the first-choice centres, while Billy Slater should keep the fullback spot, forcing Jarryd Hayne to the wing.

With the prolific Brett Morris an option for the other flank, it's pretty much a galaxy of superstars. Incredibly, players such as Michael Jennings and Kurt Gidley could battle to see much game time.

The forwards aren't quite of the same ilk. Anthony Watmough and Cameron Smith are the class acts of the pack, while Petero Civoniceva and Nathan Hindmarsh provide the veteran presence.

Robbie Farah could also bring an X-factor option from the bench, but the rest are more steady than scary.

If the Kiwis and Poms are to stand any chance of upsetting the apple cart, they'll have to dominate up front.

Curiously, Morris was the only player from minor premiers St George to make the squad, and even he was a replacement for Israel Folau, while four Panthers were included.

Coach: Tim Sheens

Squad: Darren Lockyer (c), Justin Hodges, Sam Thaiday (Brisbane Broncos), David Shillington (Canberra Raiders), Ben Hannant, Josh Morris (Canterbury Bulldogs), Paul Gallen (Cronulla Sharks), Anthony Watmough (Manly Sea Eagles), Cooper Cronk, Ryan Hoffman, Greg Inglis, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith, Brett White (Melbourne Storm), Kurt Gidley (Newcastle Knights), Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys), Jarryd Hayne, Nathan Hindmarsh (Parramatta Eels), Petero Civoniceva, Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis, Trent Waterhouse (Penrith Panthers), Brett Morris (St George Illawarra Dragons), Robbie Farah (Wests Tigers).