SYDNEY, July 2, 2009 (AFP) - World Cup forwards Wycliff Palu and Rocky Elsom have been named in a 30-man Wallabies squad for this year's Tri Nations series against New Zealand and South Africa.

Queensland Reds scrumhalf Will Genia has also been selected but there are no places for winger Lote Tuqiri and scrumhalf Josh Valentine in the group of players announced by coach Robbie Deans.

Tuqiri was sacked by the Australian Rugby Union on Wednesday, over what the ARU said was a "standard employment matter" and which is the subject of likely legal proceedings between the two parties.

Palu, 26, has not played for Australia since last year?s November tour win over France in Paris, when he was forced to return home for a shoulder operation.

The big number eight has been troubled by two separate broken bones in his left hand this season for the NSW Waratahs and recently made his playing return at club level.

Deans said Elsom, who is resting a bruised bone around his knee, may not be fit to be considered until Australia?s trip to South Africa at the end of this month.

Papua New Guinea-born Genia joins Western Force loose forward Matt Hodgson as an uncapped member of the squad, although Hodgson played against the Barbarians in Sydney last month.

Genia, 21, tore a tendon in his finger playing for the Reds against the ACT Brumbies in this year's Super 14, but has now resumed passing and is expected to be available for the tournament opener against the All Blacks in Auckland on July 18.

Hodgson is expected to be available for the opener after recovering from a shoulder injury that forced from the field 40 minutes into his debut against the Barbarians.

"He's making progress but we won't look at getting Rocky started again until he is ready," Deans said.

Australia are looking to win the Tri Nations for the first time since 2001.