Tim Sheens, as expected, has named a new-look Australia side for Sunday’s Four Nations clash against Wales in Wrexham.
With Billy Slater, Tony Williams and Robbie Farah all unavailable due to injury, suspension and compassionate grounds respectively, the veteran coach announced a reshuffled starting line-up on Thursday.
Sheens has rested skipper Darren Lockyer, so Cooper Cronk will start at five-eighth alongside Johnathan Thurston at halfback.
Rookie of the year Daly Cherry-Evans will come off the bench in the second half for his first taste of international rugby league.
Josh Morris starts on the right wing, with Jharal Yow Yeh on the left.
Willie Tonga is also unavailable after failing to recover from a pectoral injury, so Chris Lawrence and Greg Inglis remain as the starting centres.
The forward pack is also shaken-up with lock Corey Parker making a long-awaited international debut at the age of 29.
Luke Lewis, and another debutant Beau Scott, complete the back row with David Shillington and Keith Galloway getting their first starts at prop in the tournament after coming off the bench in the opening two fixtures.
Cameron Smith will skipper the side from hooker.
Paul Gallen, Matt Scott, Anthony Watmough and Sam Thaiday all drop to the bench alongside Akuila Uate.
Sheens said Uate and Watmough are the most likely to drop off, but both are certainties for the final against either New Zealand or England, who play in Hull on Saturday.
“Choc (Watmough) has not really had a break as he played in the grand final for Manly,” Sheens said.
“(Matt) Scott is also nursing a bit of a back problem, so we will wait on him and Uate may also drop off, but we’ll wait and see.”
The Australians will wear poppies on their shirts for the game at the Racecourse Ground to commemorate Remembrance Sunday.
AUSTRALIA: Darius Boyd, Jharal Yow Yeh, Greg Inglis, Chris Lawrence, Josh Morris, Cooper Cronk, Johnathan Thurston, David Shillington, Cameron Smith (capt), Keith Galloway, Beau Scott, Luke Lewis, Corey Parker. Interchange: Paul Gallen, Daly Cherry-Evans, Matt Scott, Anthony Watmough, Sam Thaiday, Akuila Uate. (Two to be omitted)
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