Australia have officially announced their 24-man travelling squad to face England this autumn, and it includes seven debutants from the NRL.
The Kangaroos will face England in the first Ashes series for over 20 years, as matches take place at Wembley, Everton and Leeds.
NRL Grand Final star Reece Walsh is one of those included in the squad for the first time, alongside title winning teammate Gehamat Shibasaki. They are two of four Brisbane Broncos players named in the side – the joint-most with Penrith Panthers.
The announcement confirms the international allegiances of other rookies Ethan Strange and Blayke Brailey. The pair both have English heritage and had spoken previously about representing England. Strange had already agreed his decision, but there was still a chance for Brailey, had he not been selected.
The squad, which is picked by coach Kevin Walters with the help of members of a selection committee, will be captained by Penrith Panthers captain, Isaah Yeo, who has made 11 Kangaroos appearances since his debut at the 2022 World Cup. He will be paired with Melbourne Storm hooker, Harry Grant, who has been named as vice-captain.
The Aussies have set their squad up with eight backs, four halves, two hookers and 10 forwards, and have chosen a range of depth options in order to cover for injuries, fatigue and the physicality of the contest.
“I cannot wait” – Australia coach excited for international test series
Australia coach Kevin Walters, who is only contracted as coach for the three-game series, commented on what he hopes to be the first of many Australia squad selections in his career.
He said: “The State of Origin series was highly competitive, and we saw some brilliant performances from key players in the Finals Series.
“There is a mix of youth and experience and all of them have the desire to represent their country on this stage. I cannot wait to coach this squad.
“England will be a huge Test on their home soil however this squad knows what it takes to perform at the highest level and knows what it takes to win.”
The squad, in full, reads:
Blayke Brailey (Cronulla Sharks), Patrick Carrigan (Brisbane Broncos), Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers), Xavier Coates (Melbourne Storm), Lindsay Collins (Sydney Roosters), Reuben Cotter (North Queensland Cowboys), Angus Crichton), Tom Dearden (North Queensland Cowboys), Dylan Edwards (Penrith Panthers), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Gold Coast TItans), Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm), Keaon Koloamatangi (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Zac Lomax, Mitchell Moses (both Parramatta Eels), Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm), Mark Nawaqanitawase (Sydney Roosters), Jacob Preston (Canterbury Bulldogs), Gehamat Shibasaki (Brisbane Broncos), Lindsay Smith (Penrith Panthers) Kotoni Staggs (Brisbane Broncos), Ethan Strange (Canberra Raiders), Reece Walsh (Brisbane Broncos), Isaah Yeo (Penrith Panthers) Hudson Young (Canberra Raiders).
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