Reece Walsh has been confirmed as the Kangaroos’ starting fullback for the first Ashes Test against England, ousting incumbent Australian No.1 Dylan Edwards. And Edwards isn’t the only Panthers star axed from their Test spot, with prop Lindsay Smith missing out and winger Paul Alamoti a sensational omission from the Tongan team to take on Samoa.
Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters named his team on Tuesday ahead of the first game against England on Saturday night, with Walsh the biggest inclusion. Edwards usurped James Tedesco as the NSW and Australia fullback last year, but has now lost his spot to Walsh due to the Broncos champion’s sensational form.
Walsh has been in remarkable form over the last few months, leading the Broncos to their first NRL premiership in 19 years. Edwards hasn’t done much wrong in the last five years, but the form of Walsh was too good for Walters to ignore.
Reece Walsh (L) is the Kangaroos’ fullback, with Panthers stars Paul Alamoti and Dylan Edwards (R) losing their Test spots. Image: AAP
The fullback is joined by Broncos teammate Gehamat Shibasaki as Test debutants for the Kangaroos, with Mark Nawaqanitawase and Keaon Koloamatangi also handed their first caps for Australia. Shibasaki will start in the centres along with Broncos teammate Kotoni Staggs, while Nawaqanitawase and Josh Addo-Carr are the wingers.
It means Nawaqanitawase becomes a dual international after his switch from the Wallabies to play for the Roosters in the NRL. Nathan Cleary and Cameron Munster are the halves, while Harry Grant is the hooker and vice-captain and Tom Dearden the bench utility.
Isaah Yeo skippers the Kangaroos at lock, with Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Pat Carrigan the props. Angus Crichton and Hudson Young start in the second-row, with Koloamatangi, Reuben Cotter and Lindsay Collins making up the bench.
Lindsay Smith loses spot on Kangaroos bench
Koloamatangi has played 10 Tests for Tonga, but switched allegiances to Australia for the series. Cotter and Collins have been rewarded for helping Queensland win this year’s State of Origin series, with many expecting Panthers prop Smith to win a spot on the bench instead. The Penrith star made his Test debut in the Pacific Championships final last year, but has now lost his spot and is instead listed in the reserves.
Walters said of the four debutants: “It’s going to be a 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 (Wembley). 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 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.”
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Paul Alamoti left out of Tonga side
As well as Edwards and Smith losing their Kangaroos spots, Panthers teammate Alamoti was left out of Tonga’s 17 when the team was named on Tuesday. Alamoti finished the year in sensational form for the Panthers, and was among the top wingers in the NRL at the end of the season.
He started in the centres in every game for Tonga in last year’s Pacific Championships, including in the final against Australia. But he was listed in the reserves on Tuesday afternoon as coach Kristian Woolf went with Daniel Tupou and Sione Katoa on the wings, and Robert Toia and Toluta’u Koula in the centres.
Paul Alamoti has been left out of Tonga’s team to take on Samoa in the Pacific Championships. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Alamoti has technically lost his spot to Roosters rookie of the year and Queensland State of Origin winner Toia, but fans are suggesting he should be on the wing instead of Katoa. One person wrote on social media: “How is Paul Alamoti not in the Tonga starting side?????” Another wrote: “Leaving your best outside back out of the team is certainly a choice.”