Sharks utility Greg Bird has earned a headstart in the battle for the vacant Kangaroos' five-eighth jersey with selection in the Prime Minister's XIII to play Papua New Guinea this month.

Bird was today selected to start at five-eighth ahead of Roosters pivot Braith Anasta, who was named on the bench for the September 23 match to be played in Port Moresby.

Gold Coast halfback Scott Prince, also in the running for the Test No.6 jersey with Darren Lockyer out injured, will partner Bird in the halves at halfback while Dragons five-eighth Mark Gasnier was named in the centres.

Roosters skipper Craig Fitzgibbon was rewarded for leading his side's late-season charge with the captaincy for the match.

The Roosters are well represented in the side with centre Joel Monaghan, prop David Shillington and backrower Anthony Tupou also selected to start while Queensland forward Nate Myles will come off the bench.

Youngsters Chris Lawrence (Wests Tigers) and Steve Michaels (Brisbane) were rewarded for their good form this season with starting wing spots.

Dally M player of the year runner up Robbie Farah will play at hooker while Newcastle's Kurt Gidley was selected at fullback in the side, picked by the ARL.

Prime Minister's XIII: Kurt Gidley (Knights), Steve Michaels (Broncos), Mark Gasnier (Dragons), Joel Monaghan (Roosters), Chris Lawrence (Tigers), Greg Bird (Sharks), Scott Prince (Titans), David Shillington (Roosters), Robbie Farah (Tigers), Luke Douglas (Sharks), Anthony Tupou (Roosters), Craig Fitzgibbon (capt) (Roosters), Paul Gallen (Sharks). Interchange: Braith Anasta (Roosters), Nate Myles (Roosters), Steve Simpson (Knights), Sam Thaiday (Broncos).

AAP