Mal Meninga has named outside backs Josh Addo-Carr and Valentine Holmes in his Kangaroos squad, despite both players being under an integrity unit cloud.
Meninga unveiled a 21-player squad for the Pacific Championships, which kicks off with Australia taking on Samoa on October 14.
Addo-Carr is being investigated by the NRL integrity unit over a Koori Knockout brawl at the weekend, while Holmes was caught in a white bag scandal last month after posting a photo to his own Instagram account.
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ARLC chairman Peter V'landys revealed on Tuesday Holmes has accepted a one-game ban, so he won't be available for the opening Test against Samoa.
V'landys said he hopes the integrity unit can advise the commission on Wednesday as to any potential punishment for Addo-Carr.
"With Josh, that's in the hands of the integrity unit… so we'll await that decision," Meninga told media on Tuesday.
"With Val, there is going to be an NRL announcement this afternoon."
Addo-Carr was named in the World Cup team of the tournament last year and is arguably the best winger in the game.
But Meninga picked him in the squad for what he brings off the field, too.
"His value is on-field and off-field. He's a terrific player, but his value off field is tremendous as well," Meninga said.
"His morale is excellent… he's good to be around, but he's also a good leader for those Indigenous boys. He plays a very important part."
The Kangaroos are facing a crisis of sorts in the outside backs with Tom Trbojevic, Latrell Mitchell, Jack Wighton, and Campbell Graham all unavailable for selection.
James Tedesco will captain the Kangaroos and is the only specialist fullback selected in the squad, beating out Dally M winner Kalyn Ponga as well as grand final stars Reece Walsh and Dylan Edwards.
Meninga was pressed on why the veteran beat those three to the No.1 jumper.
"How many fullbacks do you want me to put in the side?" the coach said.
"They are in the conversation, but Teddy is the incumbent, the World Cup skipper, been a great ambassador for the game and a great player.
"It's difficult, I know there's always going to be debate and argument about all those great young kids, but their time will come."
New Zealand is the other team involved in the Pacific Championships in what is effectively a tri-nations tournament.
Australia's Jillaroos also named their squad on Tuesday, and kick off their campaign against New Zealand on October 14.
KANGAROOS SQUAD
Josh Addo-Carr, Patrick Carrigan, Daly Cherry-Evans, Nathan Cleary, Selwyn Cobbo, Lindsay Collins, Reuben Cotter, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Thomas Flegler, Harry Grant, Payne Haas, Val Holmes, Ben Hunt, Liam Martin, Cameron Munster, Cameron Murray, Kotoni Staggs, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, James Tedesco (c), Jake Trbojevic, Isaah Yeo.
JILLAROOS SQUAD
Tarryn Aiken, Kezie Apps, Shaylee Bent, Ali Brigginshaw, Lauren Brown, Jaime Chapman, Kennedy Cherrington, Yasmin Clydsdale, Keeley Davis, Jess Elliston, Caitlan Johnston, Isabelle Kelly, Olivia Kernick, Emma Manzelmann, Shannon Mato, Evania Pelite, Julia Robinson, Jessica Sergis, Simaima Taufa, Emma Tonegato, Tamika Upton.
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