Murphy’s eight-game stint in the seconds was rewarded with a recall to the Kangaroos’ senior side to face Portland at Melville Oval on Saturday.

Kangaroos coach Matt Dunn said Murphy – a seniors regular in recent seasons – had been on selectors’ radars for the past month.

“He had glandular fever in the pre-season which set his pre-season back a bit,” he said.

“He started the year (in the seniors) but was a bit underdone.”

Dunn said Murphy’s biggest asset was his skills.

He will play across half-back or on a wing.