The news that all Bomber fans wanted to hear has eventuated - champion skipper James Hird is fighting fit and raring to go for this weekend's clash with the Kangaroos. Hird is back in the Bomber side along with Mark McVeigh who has recovered from a calf injury. Rob Forster-Knight and big man Steven Alessio were also included in the Bombers 25-man squad. The only forced change from last weekend was Justin Blumfield. The classy mid-fielder has a knee injury and is expected to miss next week's match against Port Adelaide as well.

Hird has missed the past two matches after injuring a groin against Fremantle. He trained strongly on Monday and Wednesday and is a certain starter this weekend. The Bombers bench is Cory McGrath, Jordon Bannister, Mark Bolton, Judd Lalich, Steven Alessio, Mark McVeigh and Rob Forster-Knight. Three will be omitted from the squad following tomorrow afternoon's final training session for the week.