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The Australian Rugby League Commission has named four debutants in the team that will face the New Zealand Kiwis at Hunter Stadium in Newcastle on Friday, May 6.
Mal Meninga will blood wingers Semi Radradra and Blake Ferguson in his first appearance as coach of the national team, with Josh McGuire and Michael Morgan on the bench.
Controversy over Radradra’s eligibility for the Roos will be at an all-time high, given the Fiji-born winger cannot play State of Origin.
Aidan Guerra and Michael Jennings have been named 18th and 19th man, with injuries or suspension a possibility as there is a full round of football to be played before the Test match.
Rabbitohs star Greg Inglis, who is the incumbent custodian but has been struggling on the back of an inexperienced backline is shuffled to the centres, making way for Darius Boyd at fullback.
The State of Origin debate will be sparked by the selection of 13 Queenslanders among the 19 Kangaroos, with the likes of Luke Lewis, Nate Myles, Greg Bird and Josh Morris all left out of the squad.
“This is a well-balanced squad and I’m extremely happy with it,” Meninga said.
“We have some experience as well as a handful of younger players who I am looking forward to seeing in this arena.
“It is the fourth most experienced line-up in Australia’s Test history but there will also be four players making their debuts.
“This is an incredibly important game for this group. I want to ensure the players have pride in the national jumper and my goal is to establish the Kangaroos back at the top of the international rankings.
“We have a Four Nations tournament at the end of this year and then a World Cup in 2017. This is the start of an important journey for the Kangaroos.”
Kangaroos team to face the Kiwis
1. Darius Boyd
2. Semi Radradra
3. Greg Inglis
4. Josh Dugan
5. Blake Ferguson
6. Johnathan Thurston
7. Cooper Cronk
8. Matt Scott
9. Cameron Smith (c)
10. Paul Gallen
11. Josh Papalii
12. Matt Gillett
13. Corey Parker
Interchange:
14. Josh McGuire
15. Michael Morgan
16. James Tamou
17. Sam Thaiday
18th man: Aidan Guerra
19th man: Michael Jennings
What are your thoughts on the team selection Roarers?
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