Australian coach Mal Meninga has named three debutants for the Kangaroos’ Test match against New Zealand at Perth’s nib Stadium on Saturday.
Prop Shannon Boyd, winger Valentine Holmes and interchange forward Tyson Frizell, who is also a Welsh international, will all play in the green and gold jersey for the first time.
Sam Thaiday will play his 30th Test match for Australia against the Kiwis.
“This will be a great challenge for this team,” coach Mal Meninga said.
“The Kiwis have picked a very strong squad themselves.
“It will be great to see how some of our younger players fare against such an opponent.”
Kangaroo squad
1 Darius Boyd
2 Blake Ferguson
3 Greg Inglis
4 Josh Dugan
5 Valentine Holmes
6 Johnathan Thurston
7 Cooper Cronk
8 Matt Scott
9 Cameron Smith (C)
10 Shannon Boyd
11 Boyd Cordner
12 Matt Gillett
13 Trent Merrin
14 David Klemmer
15 Michael Morgan
16 Tyson Frizell
17 Sam Thaiday
Earlier, Manly forward Jake Trbojevic was added to the Kangaroo squad ahead of the 2016 Four Nations tournament following the withdrawal of Josh Papalii.
Papalii has been ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle problem following consultation between the medical staff of the Kangaroos and Canberra Raiders.
Trbojevic has joined the Kangaroos camp in Perth.
“Jake will give us size and intimidation,” Kangaroos Coach Mal Meninga said.
“It is always disappointing to lose a player of Josh’s calibre but this will be a wonderful opportunity for Jake and I’m excited to see what he can do in the green and gold jersey.”
A full report from Perth will feature in Monday’s edition of League Express
