Vaughan has regularly been among the Dragons best over the past three seasons, establishing himself as one of the game's premier big men and being part of the Blues two Origin series victories.

The Kangaroos will face the Kiwis for the first time in Wollongong on October 25, the second leg of a double-header at WIN Stadium that will also include the Jillaroos clash with Kiwi Ferns.

Tyson Frizell and Ben Hunt also retained their spots - with both also named in the Australian Nines squad - as did Helensburgh product Damien Cook.

A number of the Dragons NRLW squad were also rewarded for their side's run to the grand final, with Kezie Apps, Keeley Davis, Holli Wheeler, Brittany Breayle, Shakiah Tungai, Dally M Player of the Year Jess Sergis and Botille Vette-Welsh all named in Brad Donald's Jillaroos squad.

Vette-Welsh's selection after a standout NRLW campaign is a coup for Donald after the New Zealand born and raised-star pledged her allegiance to the Jillaroos.

Additionally, Tiana Penitani and young-gun Shaylee Bent wee also named in the women's Nines squad.

''They have all had tremendous seasons for their local clubs and NRLW teams and deserve their position as Jillaroos,'' Donald said.

''We've had some terrific matches against the Kiwis and we're expecting another memorable clash.''