2023 Pacific Championships, Kangaroos team, Australia team, Samoa, Townsville, team list and changes

Kangaroos name team to face Samoa in Test opener

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Tue 10 Oct 2023, 03:59 PM

Head Coach Mal Meninga has named four debutants for the Gallagher Kangaroos’ opening match of the Pacific Championships against Samoa on Saturday, October 14.

Dylan Edwards (Kangaroos number 847), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (849), Kotoni Staggs (848) and Selwyn Cobbo (846) will all play their first match for the Kangaroos at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.

The quartet feature in an exciting Kangaroos backline alongside captain James Tedesco and the experienced halves combination of Cameron Munster and Daly Cherry-Evans.

Meninga said the debutants thoroughly deserved their selection.

“The opportunity has come up for them to put the green and gold jersey on and I’ve got no doubt they’ll all play really well for their country,” Meninga said.

“You can tell from their actions that they’re excited about making their own mark at this level, while learning from some of the established players in the team.

“They’re all great young men and talented players, and I’m confident you will see the best of them on Saturday.”

The Kangaroos have been preparing for their opening match of the Pacific Championships at Airlie Beach’s Whitsunday Sports Park, with hundreds of fans enjoying the opportunity to watch training and meet their heroes.

“We’ve been welcomed here with open arms by the community,” Meninga said.

“It’s just great to be around bush footy, where we have the opportunity to inspire the young boys and girls in this region.”

The Kangaroos will travel to Townsville on Thursday and will complete their preparations with a captain’s run training session on Friday.