Australia cut squad for first test against England

Australia head coach Michael Cheika has cut his squad for next week's first test against England at Lang Park, Brisbane.

Cheika has cut six players from the initial squad, not including the injured Mike Harris's withdrawal, with James Hanson, Adam Coleman, Liam Gill, Eto Nabuli, Joe Powell and Leroy Houston left out.

Reece Hodge was originally named in the squad as a replacement to injured back Harris, and the 21-year-old is again included in a trimmed down 33-man squad announced on Friday.

Former captain James Horwill is still in the running to return to Test rugby, after cutting short his honeymoon to join the Wallabies camp last week.

With Sekope Kepu on Friday signalling his intent to return to Super Rugby and Taqele Naiyaravoro announcing a move last week, Horwill is the only overseas-based player in the squad.

Backs: Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Nick Frisby, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Rob Horne, Karmichael Hunt, Samu Kerevi, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Luke Morahan, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Nick Phipps

Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Sam Carter, Scott Fardy, Greg Holmes, Michael Hooper, James Horwill, Sekope Kepu, Ben McCalman, Sean McMahon, Stephen Moore, Dean Mumm, Wycliff Palu, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Rob Simmons, Scott Sio, Will Skelton, James Slipper, Toby Smith.