The Kangaroos will be virtually unchanged for the third and final Ashes Test against England at Headingley, with captain Isaah Yeo returning at lock, Patrick Carrigan shifting back to prop and Lindsay Smith dropping off the bench.
The decision means that six players who have toured won’t play a game in England: Mitchell Moses, Bradman Best, Ethan Strange, Jacob Preston, Dylan Edwards and Blayke Brailey.
Coach Kevin Walters told reporters in England that it was a tough decision, but he had decided to reward the players who had delivered victory and was now intent on a 3-0 series whitewash.
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“I spoke to some of the senior players and also some of the selectors, because it wasn’t an easy decision,” Walters said.
“I just want to make the right decision for the Kangaroos and the jersey. In the end, after some consultation and chats, the best thing to do was to go back to that 17 that started the Test series.”
Yeo, who missed the second Test due to concussion, added: “It was a bit of a reward for the guys who have been there.
Isaah Yeo is back for the third Ashes Test. Picture: NRL ImagerySource: Supplied
“You never want to give away your jersey, but on the flip side is you’d love to give the boys who haven’t played an opportunity because they’ve been fantastic for us. I think there was a fair bit of swinging both ways but in the end we’re all in on this.
“We want to try and make it 3-0, that’s really important for this group.”
AUSTRALIA: 1. Reece Walsh. 2. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Gehamat Shibasaki, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Pat Carrigan, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Hudson Young, 13. Isaah Yeo (c), 14. Tom Dearden, 15. Lindsay Collins, 16. Reuben Cotter, 17. Keaon Koloamatangi.
Kangaroos take Ashes after grinding win | 02:32