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 that Penrith Panthers custodian Edwards would feature in a new-look Kangaroos backline on Saturday, with all four debutants playing on the wings and in the centres.
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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.
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 or 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.
Tamika 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.
KANGAROOS: James Tedesco (capt), Dylan Edwards, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Kotoni Staggs, Selwyn Cobbo, Cameron Munster, Daly Cherry-Evans, Payne Haas, Ben Hunt, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Cameron Murray, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo. Bench: Harry Grant, Lindsay Collins, Pat Carrigan, Reuben Cotter. 18th man: Nicho Hynes.
JILLAROOS: Tamika Upton, Jaime Chapman, Jessica Sergis, Isabelle Kelly, Julia Robinson, Tarryn Aiken, Ali Brigginshaw (co-capt), Shannon Mato, Keeley Davis, Jessika Elliston, Kezie Apps (co-capt), Olivia Kernick, Simaima Taufa. Bench: Emma Tonegato, Caitlan Johnson, Kennedy Cherrington, Shaylee Bent. 18th woman: Lauren Brown.
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