A shattered cheekbone has not stopped Tom Trbojevic from finally playing alongside his brother Jake for the Kangaroos.

The Manly star admitted it was “touch and go” whether he would be fit for Australia’s Tests against New Zealand and Tonga after suffering the serious facial injury in the NRL’s final round.

The Sea Eagles speedster was ruled out for six weeks by Manly after undergoing surgery.

But barely five weeks after going under the knife, Trbojevic is set to play against New Zealand on Saturday and Australia’s October 20 clash with Tonga, both in Auckland.

“It (fracture) was a bit touch and go but I’ve been seeing the surgeon regularly and he gave me the all clear,” Trbojevic said before the Kangaroos flew out of Brisbane for Auckland on Tuesday.

“Initially he thought it wouldn’t have been good but he kept looking at it and said I’d be right to go.

“To get picked in the side made it all better.”

Trbojevic now gets the chance to fulfil a childhood dream of running out in the green and gold with his older brother.

They were denied the opportunity at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup when back-rower Jake Trbojevic broke down with a tournament-ending pectoral injury.

“Hopefully we can get a chance to put on that jersey together,” Tom Trbojevic said.

“It would be everything. We grew up together playing backyard footy together and doing everything together.

“Ten years ago you wouldn’t have dreamed to be doing what we are now.

“It would be a surreal experience if we do get to do it.”

Manly No.1 Trbojevic is expected to slot onto the Kangaroos wing against New Zealand with his older sibling tipped to start on the bench.

Coach Mal Meninga is reportedly toying with an all forwards bench against the powerful Kiwis, improving second-rower Jake Trbojevic’s selection chances.

New Kangaroos captain Boyd Cordner, St George Illawarra juggernaut Tyson Frizell and Brisbane lock Josh McGuire are expected to make up the Australian back-row against New Zealand.

“It (challenge for spots) makes everyone better,” McGuire said of the Kangaroos’ backrow depth.

“We are all good mates but at the end of the day we are all pushing each other to be better and play our best football for Australia.”

Cordner took over the national reins after Greg Inglis was stood down for this month’s Tests following drink-driving and speeding charges.

McGuire’s thoughts were with their missing skipper as they left Australia.

“I haven’t been able to chat with GI. I think he is going through his own stuff at the moment (but) I fully support him and he is my captain,” McGuire said.

“He is a good mate of mine. I hope everything is alright and gets sorted.”