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Reece Walsh, Gehamat Shibasaki and Mark Nawaqanitawase will make their Australia debuts in the starting line-up for Saturday’s first Rugby League Ashes Test against England at Wembley.
Walsh, 23, displaces Dylan Edwards at full-back, having produced a man-of-the-match performance as Brisbane Broncos beat Melbourne Storm in the NRL Grand Final at the start of the month.
Shibasaki, 27, scored two tries for the Broncos in that final. His selection for Saturday completes a remarkable personal comeback, as he only joined the Broncos on trial at the start of the season.
The former North Queensland Cowboys and South Sydney Rabbitohs centre had played just three NRL games in three years before that.
Sydney Roosters winger Nawaqanitawase, 25, was the NRL’s leading try-scorer during the season just completed, having switched codes from rugby union, playing for the Wallabies at the 2023 World Cup.
Forward Keaon Koloamatangi, a fourth debutant, will start on the bench. He has switched allegiance from Tonga, for whom he played at the last World Cup three years ago. He also played for them in their three-match series against England in 2023.
“It’s going to be huge thrill for all four of them to wear the green and gold for the first time in a Test match at such an iconic stadium,” Australia head coach Kevin Walters said.
“I’m excited for them as well as all of our players. Every member of our squad, whether they take the field or not, is about to experience something incredibly special this Saturday at Wembley.
“As I’ve said from day one of our preparations here in England, we’re on this Ashes journey together because it’s going to take a collective effort from everyone involved.”
Australia team: Reece Walsh, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Kotoni Staggs, Gehamat Shibasaki, Josh Addo-Carr, Cameron Munster, Nathan Cleary, Patrick Carrigan, Harry Grant, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Angus Crichton, Hudson Young, Isaah Yeo (captain).
Interchanges: Tom Dearden, Lindsay Collins, Reuben Cotter, Keaon Koloamatangi.
Reserves: Bradman Best, Lindsay Smith, Mitchell Moses.
Rugby League Ashes
25 October, 1 November, 8 November
Wembley, Hill Dickinson Stadium, AMT Headingley
Watch all three Tests live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app
