In a bold move, Australian rugby league coach Mal Meninga has revamped the Kangaroos squad, axing long-time captain James Tedesco and overlooking State of Origin skippers Jake Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans. The new-look team, announced on Monday, features eight potential debutants, including Parramatta’s Mitchell Moses, Penrith’s Lindsay Smith, and Newcastle’s Bradman Best.
The spotlight falls on Meninga’s omissions, particularly the dumping of Tedesco, who led the team to a dismal 30-0 defeat against New Zealand last year. Penrith’s Dylan Edwards takes over as fullback, while Isaah Yeo, also from Penrith, assumes the captaincy, with Melbourne’s Harry Grant as vice-captain.
Meninga cited the Pacific Championships and Origin form as key factors in his selection process. “We chose based on Origin and form, but in the end, Dylan has been waiting in the wings for a long time,” he explained.
The coach also hinted that Cherry-Evans and Trbojevic were left out due to their limited versatility, with an eye on the 2026 World Cup. “When you look at your 21-man squad, you look at the diversity and flexibility of the team,” Meninga said.
Notable absentees include Nathan Cleary and Cameron Munster, who are undergoing off-season surgery, and Newcastle’s Kalyn Ponga, who initially ruled himself out before being forced to reconsider due to contractual obligations. Meninga opted for Dylan Edwards over Ponga, citing the former’s superior form.
The revamped Kangaroos will face Tonga in Brisbane on October 18 and then take on New Zealand in Christchurch on October 27. The squad boasts a mix of seasoned players and newcomers, with Meninga banking on their collective strength to drive the team forward.
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