Australia set to name seven debutants for Ashes series as Kangaroos squad ‘leaked’

Australia’s 23-man squad for the Ashes series has reportedly been finalised, and coach Kevin Walters has chosen plenty of uncapped stars to make the trip over this autumn.

Following withdrawals from recently-named Dally M winner James Tedesco and State of Origin star Payne Haas, amongst others, the new Kangaroos boss will rely on a new generation of talent to see them win the first Ashes series since 2003.

The squad will officially be announced on Monday 6 October, one day after the NRL Grand Final. The Kangaroos squad is chosen by a selection committee which includes newly appointed London Broncos owner Darren Lockyer. NRL greats Andrew Johns and Cameron Smith are also on the panel, with former Sydney Roosters captain Boyd Corner also involved.

However, The Sydney Morning Herald have today released a ‘leaked’ version of the squad, and in it are seven players yet to make their debut on the international stage, including Reece Walsh, the Brisbane Broncos full-back who, on current form, is one of the best players in the world.

Former New South Wales centre Bradman Best joins him, despite his Newcastle Knights side finishing bottom of the table. Rugby union convert Mark Nawaqanitawase will be included, as will Ethan Strange (Canberra Raiders), Jacob Preston (Canterbury Bulldogs) and Keaon Koloamatangi (South Sydney Rabbitohs).

Cronulla Sharks hooker Blayke Brailey has flirted with the idea of representing England, with his mother being born in Liverpool and him being eligible due to heritage rules. However, he now looks set to join Walters’ side and turn out against England in the three-test series.

Elsewhere, more household names will take part, including half-back Nathan Cleary and hooker Harry Grant, who have both had standout years in the NRL. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui rejected the opportunity to play for Samoa, instead choosing the Green and Gold and he’ll collect his eighth Australia cap, should he play.

The proposed squad in full reads: Bradman Best, Blayke Brailey, Patrick Carrigan, Nathan Cleary, Xavier Coates, Lindsay Collins, Reuben Cotter, Angus Crichton, Tom Dearden, Dylan Edwards, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Harry Grant, Keaon Koloamatangi, Zac Lomax, Cameron Munster, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Jacob Preston, Lindsay Smith, Kotoni Staggs, Ethan Strange, Reece Walsh, Isaah Yeo, Hudson Young.

NRL icon happy with Australia squad selection ahead of Ashes series

Aussie legend Gordon Tallis gave his thoughts on Fox League’s NRL 360, and admitted they need to be at their best if they are to win the series.

He said: “I think it’s a really strong squad, with all those guys. With the developing nations taking some of the top line players, I think it’s a really strong squad and they’ve got a big job on their hands.

On being fully prepared for the tournament, he later added: “They’ve got to be fully fit. There’s three games, when you get over there you hit the ground running. There’s not a lot of time to get match fitness.

Tallis admitted that despite official confirmation of the squad expected early next week, there could still be some changes to the side following upcoming key matches. If players perform well in those big games, selections could be changed.

He said: “I’m not on the selection committee for the Australian team, but I do understand that when the Prime Minister’s XIII go up to PNG, there’ll be some players that are going to play for spots.”

The Australia vs PNG Prime Minister’s XIII match is scheduled for October 12, one week after the NRL Grand Final and just under a fortnight before the first test a Wembley Stadium.