In a shocking move, Panthers bench forward Lindsay Smith has earned a spot in the Kangaroos squad, while stars James Tedesco and Kalyn Ponga have been left out ¹ ². This bold decision comes after Australia’s disappointing loss to New Zealand in the Pacific Championships last year. Coach Mal Meninga has opted for a new era, dumping veteran players, including Tedesco, Daly Cherry-Evans, and Jake Trbojevic, in favor of fresh talent ¹ ² ³.
Isaah Yeo, the Panthers captain, has been named as the new Kangaroos skipper, with Harry Grant as vice-captain ¹ ². Yeo’s leadership and work ethic were instrumental in the Panthers’ fourth consecutive premiership win. The Kangaroos squad will face Tonga and New Zealand in the Pacific Championships, and Meninga is looking to bounce back from last year’s embarrassing loss ².
The new-look Kangaroos squad includes eight debutants, including Smith, Bradman Best, and Mitchell Moses ². Other notable inclusions are Tom Trbojevic, who ends his six-year Test exile, and Matt Burton, who earns a spot in the squad ². With this fresh lineup, the Kangaroos are seeking redemption in the Pacific Championships, starting with their match against Tonga on October 18 ². This
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