Nicho Hynes has been forced out of Australia's side for their Pacific Championship final against New Zealand on Saturday with the return of big inclusions to the Kangaroos forward pack.

Hynes, who debuted off the bench against the Kiwis on Saturday, played the final 25 minutes of the contest out of his usual position at no.7 with time in the forwards.

The Kangaroos added two late tries to run-out 36-18 winners.

The Wiradjuri man has needed to flexible at representative level behind preferred halves in both the NSW and Australian setup.

Pockets of the rugby league world were critical of former Blues coach Brad Fittler's underutilisation of the Dally M medallist throughout their unsuccessful State of Origin campaign earlier this year.

After consecutive games just out of the side, Hynes said it was a dream to play on Saturday, particularly back where NRL career began in Melbourne.

"It's so exciting...where it all began for me as an NRL player, (in a) similar role too; coming off the bench and jumping in wherever I can. I've dreamt of it my whole life," he said before the game.

Following the match, Michael Ennis said Hynes' versatility is a virtue coach Mal Meninga shouldn't look past.

"I think (Hynes) played himself into a side for next week," he said on Fox League, via Yahoo Sports.

"His versatility, his ability to go into the middle part of the field and play as that 13…He can play five-eighth, halfback, he's trained at dummy half… there is no more versatile man in their squad than Nicho Hynes and in big games with HIAs, to have that versatility is a luxury."

Despite hailing the 27-year-old for a "terrific job" on debut, Meninga has instead opted to bring Payne Haas, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Liam Martin back into the side, forcing Hynes back to 18th man.

"We've adopted a squad mentality right from the start of the championships, and every player and support staff member has played a part in getting us to where we currently are," Meninga said.

"Unfortunately some great players have missed out, but that's the nature of the beast at international level when you've got such a high-calibre playing group all putting their hands up, and all buying into the culture of what this Australian team is about.

"We've settled on a really strong team and combinations that have worked well for us in the past. Ultimately it is now about continuing the momentum we've built and delivering a performance that Australian supporters can be proud of this Saturday."

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Kotoni Staggs, who debuted against Samoa a fortnight prior have retained their sports in the backline.

Tabuai-Fidow is enjoying one of the great breakout seasons in 2023, starring for NRL incomers The Dolphins, and dominated with four Origin tries for the Maroons in their series win.

Fellow Queensland representative and Torres Strait Islander man Rueban Cotter retains his spot in the 17 for the final in Hamilton on Saturday night.

Cotter similarly starred for the Maroons, being named player of the series after NSW scored a constellation win in game III.

After debuting for Australia against Samoa, Selwyn Cobbo misses out on his chance to secure a series win in green and gold.