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Australia have named four Kangaroos debutants for their Pacific Cup opener against Samoa, with Dylan Edwards to play his maiden international on the wing.
Coach Mal Meninga confirmed on Tuesday Edwards would feature in a new-look Kangaroos backline on Saturday, with all four debutants playing on the wings and in the centres.
With James Tedesco at fullback, Edwards and Brisbane young gun Selwyn Cobbo will play on the wings and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Kotoni Staggs in the centres.
Valentine Holmes is available again for the following match against New Zealand on October 28, meaning the rookies are likely fighting to keep their spot.
Meninga’s side is largely as expected elsewhere, with Daly Cherry-Evans to take over as halfback in Townsville with Nathan Cleary out of the tournament with a knee injury.
(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images for RLWC)
“The opportunity has come up for them to put the green and gold jersey on and I’ve got no doubt they’ll all play really well for their country,” Meninga said.
“You can tell from their actions that they’re excited about making their own mark at this level, while learning from some of the established players in the team.
“They’re all great young men and talented players, and I’m confident you will see the best of them on Saturday.”
Nine of Australia’s team from the World Cup final are included in the 17, with Jake Trbojevic left out of the side after starting at prop in last year’s decider against Samoa.
Edwards has not played on the wing since August 2019, but was confident before being called into the squad he would be able to take on any position required.
Safe under the high ball, Australia will look to Edwards to provide the same yardage he does for Penrith at fullback in the NRL as well as fast play-the-balls early in sets.
“I’ll play anywhere a coach wanted me to play,” Edwards told AAP last month.
“I do the same thing at Penrith. I haven’t played centre of wing for a while. But I love playing footy and I would love playing anywhere.
“If they pick me somewhere, they pick me for a reason. I’d have to do a lot of work. I would do a lot of video and talk with the coaches.”
Edwards will likely match up against club teammate Brian To’o, who is expected to line up at right wing for Samoa.
Fellow Panther Stephen Crichton has been named at five-eighth for Samoa, with Melbourne rookie Sualauvi Faalogo at fullback and Manly youngster Gordon Chan Kum Tong at hooker.
Tamiku Upton has also been named to make her long-awaited debut for the Jillaroos against New Zealand.
The Newcastle No.1 was denied a maiden Australian jersey last year due to a calf injury.
The Test debut comes after she won this year’s Dally M and the last two Karyn Murphy Medals as best player in the NRLW grand final.
Gold Coast forward Jessika Elliston will also make her debut at prop.
all times AEDT
Jillaroos: 1. Tamika Upton 2. Jaime Chapman 3. Jessica Sergis 4. Isabelle Kelly 5. Julia Robinson 6. Tarryn Aiken 7. Ali Brigginshaw 8. Shannon Mato 9. Keeley Davis 10. Jessika Elliston 11. Kezie Apps 12. Olivia Kernick 13. Simaima Taufa 14. Emma Tonegato 15. Caitlan Johnston 16. Kennedy Cherrington 17. Shaylee Bent 18. Lauren Brown 19. Emma Manzelmann 20. Keilee Joseph
Kiwi Ferns: 1. Apii Nicholls 2. Annessa Biddle 3. Shanice Parker 4. Mele Hufanga 5. Leianne Tufuga 6. Ash Quinlan 7. Raecene Mcgregor 8. Mya Hill-Moana 9. Brooke Anderson 10. Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa 11. Otesa Pule 12. Laishon Albert-Jones 13. Georgia Hale 14. Tyla Nathan-Wong 15. Najvada George 16. Jasmine Fogavini 17. Amelia Pasikala 18. Abigail Roache 19. Cheyelle Robins-Reti 20. Tiana Davison 21. Capri Paekau
Kangaroos: 1. James Tedesco 2. Dylan Edwards 3. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 4. Kotoni Staggs 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Cameron Munster 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Payne Haas 9. Ben Hunt 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Cameron Murray 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Harry Grant 15. Lindsay Collins 16. Patrick Carrigan 17. Reuben Cotter 18. Nicho Hynes 19. Jake Trbojevic 20. Thomas Flegler 21. Valentine Holmes
Samoa: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. Murray Taulagi 3. Izack Tago 4. Young Tonumaipea 5. Brian To’o 6. Stephen Crichton 7. Daejarn Asi 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 10. Junior Paulo 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Connelly Lemuelu 13. Keenan Palasia 14. Spencer Leniu 15. Terrell May 16. Heilum Luki 17. Ronald Volkman 18. Royce Hunt 19. Justin Matamua 20. Greg Marzhew 21. Tommy Talau
PNG: 1. Alex Johnston 2. Robert Derby 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Rodrick Tai 5. Nene Macdonald 6. Kyle Laybutt 7. Lachlan Lam 8. Epel Kapinias 9. Judah Rimbu 10. Valentine Richard 11. Jacob Alick 12. Dan Russell 13. Jack de Belin 14. Liam Horne 15. Nixon Putt 16. Junior Rop 17. Benji Kott 18. Cruise Ten 19. Rhyse Martin 20. Wellington Albert 21. Justin Olam
Cooks: Esom Ioka 2. Malachi Morgan. 3. Kayal Iro 4. Esan Marsters 5. Steven Masters 6. Brad Takairangi 7. Tevin Arona 8. Davvy Moale 9. Rua Ngatikaura 10. Makahesi Makatoa 11. Zane Tetevano 12. Reuben Poter 13. Pride Petterson-Robati 14. William Samuel 15. Rhys Dakin 16. Justin Makirere 17. Kadiyae Ioka 18. Takai Mokohar 19. Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano 20. Alvin Maungatti 21. Lucky Pokipoki
with AAP
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