Kangaroos Coach Mal Meninga has confirmed a 19-man squad for the Four Nations match against New Zealand, at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena on Saturday.
After missing the victory over Scotland, Johnathan Thurston, Darius Boyd, Greg Inglis, Boyd Cordner, Matt Scott, Matt Gillett, and Valentine Holmes have been included in the 19-man squad.
“We know the Kiwis will be a significant challenge for us so it will be great to welcome back some of the players who missed the Scotland game,” Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga said.
“Having said that it is still important to try out a few combinations and I am looking forward to seeing what this squad can do against the Kiwis.”
Meantime the NZ Kiwis have made two changes to the side to face Australia in their second outing of the tournament.
Both Jason Nightingale (ankle) and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (knee) have been ruled out, with injuries sustained in the opening 17-16 win over England.
Replacing them are premiership-winning Cronulla Shark Gerard Bealeon the wing and Canterbury Bulldog veteran Greg Eastwood on the bench, with Adam Blair promoted to the starting lineup.
“It’s tough loosing players of Nighty’s [Nightingale] and Jared’s [Waerea-Hargreaves] talent and experience,” says Kiwis coach David Kidwell.
“We are fortunate to have quality reinforcements who understand what international football is all about.”
Kidwell, who has been a strong advocate for the importance of team culture, has been impressed with the injured pair’s attitude.
“They are both terrific players and they are wonderful people. They have been terrific examples of what ‘Te Iwi Kiwi’ is all about.
“Both Bealy [Beale] and Beasty [Eastwood] have been pushing hard for spots all tour, as well as the young guys in the team. As a coach, it’s fantastic to know that everyone is working hard.
“I have complete confidence in all the players in our squad. That’s why they were picked.”
Australian Kangaroos Squad
- Darius Boyd
- Shannon Boyd
- Boyd Cordner
- Blake Ferguson
- Jake Friend
- Matt Gillett
- Valentine Holmes
- Greg Inglis
- David Klemmer
- James Maloney
- Trent Merrin
- Michael Morgan
- Matt Moylan
- Justin O’Neill
- Matt Scott
- Cameron Smith (c)
- Sam Thaiday
- Johnathan Thurston
- Aaron Woods
New Zealand Kiwis Squad
- Gerard Beale
- Adam Blair
- Jesse Bromwich (c)
- Lewis Brown
- Greg Eastwood
- David Fusitu’a
- Tohu Harris
- Shaun Johnson
- Jordan Kahu
- Solomone Kata
- Shaun Kenny-Dowall
- Thomas Leuluai
- Issac Luke
- Manu Ma’u
- Kevin Proctor
- Jordan Rapana
- Joseph Tapine
- Jason Taumalolo
- Martin Taupau
Photo: Mal Meninga speaks to media after the Kangaroos win over Scotland in their opeing Four Nations match. (nrlphotos.com)
