Greg Inglis is set to lead Australia’s generational change after being named captain of the Kangaroos for this month’s rugby league Tests against New Zealand and Tonga.
Inglis was on Monday named by coach Mal Meninga to succeed long-time skipper Cameron Smith as leader of a new-look 19-man squad, which is missing nine members from last year’s World Cup winning team.
Fullback James Tedesco, centre Latrell Mitchell, hooker Damien Cook and utility Tyrone Peachey are the four new names in the national side.
Tedesco has been guaranteed the fullback spot after Billy Slater’s retirement while Cook has a golden chance to establish himself as succeed Smith’s successor as Australia’s long-term No.9.
Both Inglis and Mitchell play on the left-side of the field, however, Meninga said he would move one of them to the right in an attempt to fit them both into the team.
Young dynamo Mitchell was rewarded for his dominance during NSW’s Origin series win and the Roosters’ run to the premiership.
He took the spot of Will Chambers after the two engaged in a running battle all year which culminated in Mitchell’s dominant head-to-head win over his nemesis on Sunday.
Newly-crowned NRL premiers Sydney Roosters have three players in the squad – Tedesco, Mitchell and skipper Boyd Cordner, who narrowly missed out on the captaincy.
Valentine Holmes is the only surviving backline member from the Kangaroos’ World Cup final victory with Slater and Cooper Cronk retiring, Josh Dugan, Dane Gagai and Chambers overlooked and Michael Morgan (bicep) injured.
Matt Gillett (neck) and Wade Graham (knee) are also unavailable.
“It is a bit of a transition period,” Meninga said.
“It’s a new, exciting breed of players. We’ve got two really good, strong Test matches to pit ourselves against.
“I know the international world thinks we’re a bit vulnerable at the moment because of the change and I’m confident we’ll do really well against New Zealand and Tonga.”
Daly Cherry-Evans is one of nine Queenslanders in the squad.
The Manly skipper has received his first Test call up in four years and has been named to partner Cameron Munster, however, the Melbourne No.6 could be rubbed out if he’s charged for kicking at Joseph Manu’s head during the grand final.
“The way he’s led the side through all the drama that’s happened this year, he’s kept the team on track and kept playing really well,” Meninga said of Cherry-Evans.
“I’m really happy with his progress and he’s matured as a leader and he’ll handle the position really well.”
Kangaroos squad: Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Daly Cherry-Evans, Damien Cook, Boyd Cordner, Tyson Frizell, Valentine Holmes, Ben Hunt, Greg Inglis (capt), Felise Kaufusi, David Klemmer, Josh McGuire, Jordan McLean, Latrell Mitchell, Cameron Munster, Tyrone Peachey, James Tedesco, Jake Trbojevic, Tom Trbojevic, Aaron Woods.
Ray Paks
Roar Rookie
Brilliant according to you and Mal, not good enough for Fittler and the rest of the rugby league world and rightly so. NSW win series without the passenger and the Bulldogs and Sharks fail to make prelims. But there is something you guys are seeing that no one else is seeing, good on you!
Ray Paks
Roar Rookie
The Hunt selection is questionable. But seriously no one else in the league can stop a moving body in its tracks the way JDB does and to think all those players I'm laughing about are above him are a as I keep saying, a joke! When you're caught drink driving, and named captain too, well that's a laughing matter
Darren
Guest
Stand by!....
BA Sports
Roar Guru
He got fined. Fair enough to. Speaking of fines, this will have to go down as the shortest reign as Kangaroos captain in the history of the game for Inglis....
M
Guest
Why is Boyd not picked as captain. What has Inglis done to oust Boyd??
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
It's a strange year for Manly to have more Australian reps than all other teams except the Chooks at 3 each. Plenty of chances for players to make this team in the next few years with most of the biggest guns gone or going.
JoM
Roar Rookie
We'll see. Munster didn't even get charged with striking another player and is free to play. The NRL won't do anything about this either.
E-Meter
Roar Rookie
Inglis won’t be playing. Welcome Captain Cordner.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Pretty good back 3 in Teddy,Turbo and Val...GI of present and future in the centres...can’t see Tonga laughing much..
The Barry
Roar Guru
Funny the Hunt selection didn’t get him laughing either...
Fight fair
Guest
Not sure how Munster can get picked, didnt Mal bring in a no kickhead policy?
Renegade
Roar Guru
Claiming half the selections are a joke and then suggesting Jack De Belin... now that’s a joke!
Muzz
Guest
Cordner should be captain.
Ray Paks
Roar Rookie
1. Inglis as captain is a joke 2. Woods selection is a joke 3. Felise Kaufusi is another joke I'm smiling 4. Cherry Evans is yet another joke I'm chuckling now 5. Josh McGuire is yet, yes yet another joke I'm laughing my head off! 6. Dale Finucane should be in there 7. Jack De Belin should be in there as well
Renegade
Roar Guru
His been brilliant over the last two months, picked on form obviously.
Doug Graves
Guest
How in the hell does Aaron Woods make the team? He's not even good enough to start at Cronulla or make the NSW Origin team! What a total farce!
MarkD
Guest
Hi Steve , I see Keary has been put on standby for Munster if/when he gets suspended.