Liam Martin’s decision to skip the Ashes for the birth of his first child has been confirmed, with the Panthers star not amongst the 23 players being reported for the Kangaroos squad. The Sydney Morning Herald revealed the likely squad on Thursday, with some big names notably absent.
James Tedesco has withdrawn so he can attend his brother’s wedding, while Latrell Mitchell, Tom Trbojevic and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow are all unavailable due to injury. Cameron Murray is also out after withdrawing from contention due to playing just one game this season.
As for Martin, the four-time Panthers premiership player flagged back in July that he wouldn’t be putting himself forward for selection. The second-rower’s fiancée Chelsea is due to give birth in coming weeks, and Martin wants to be at home by his partner’s side.
Liam Martin (L) is out of the Ashes to be by his fiancee’s side, while Kotoni Staggs and Reece Walsh (R) are in. Image: Getty
Martin told the Sydney Morning Herald in July: “We’re due in October – I’m pretty excited – but it means I’ll probably have to pull out of the Ashes. Given it’s the first baby, I don’t want to miss it. If it was in Australia, I’d definitely play, but given it’s on the other side of the world, Chelsea could divorce me before we’re even married.”
Martin hasn’t played for Australia since 2023 after he missed last year’s Pacific Championships due to a knee injury. “I love pulling on that green and gold jersey, but family comes first, so I made the decision early on,” he said. “You hear the boys with kids speak about life having extra meaning after [having kids], and who you play the game for. It’s been in the back of my mind this year how I’ll need to try and leave a legacy for the family that they can be proud of.”
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Martin would have been a certain selection in Kevin Walters’ 23-player squad. But his decision to stay home was confirmed on Thursday when the reported squad was leaked.
Liam Martin is putting family first. Image: Liam Martin
Reece Walsh set to be Kangaroos fullback in Ashes
The Sydney Morning Herald reported the 23 players who are likely to be picked, with seven in line for a potential Test debut. Reece Walsh and Dylan Edwards are the fullbacks, with Walsh reportedly having his nose in front to start the first Test against England on October 26.
Kotoni Staggs has reportedly decided to remain loyal to Australia despite flagging the possibility of switching to Tonga. Mark Nawaqanitawase, Xavier Coates, Bradman Best and Zac Lomax are the other outside backs, with Nathan Cleary, Cameron Munster, Tom Dearden and Ethan Strange the halves.
Harry Grant and Blayke Brailey are the hookers, while Lindsay Smith, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Lindsay Collins, Pat Carrigan, Isaah Yeo, Hudson Young, Angus Crichton, Keaon Koloamatangi, Jacob Preston and Reuben Cotter are the forwards. Koloamatangi has previously represented Tonga, but has switched allegiances to Australia.
The players in line to debut are Walsh, Strange, Nawaqanitawase, Brailey, Best, Koloamatangi and Preston. The Aussies were initially set to pick a 22-player squad, but added an extra player – designed to be a young gun who can earn valuable experience. That player is five-eighth Strange, who had a wonderful year with the Canberra Raiders.
Curiously, Mitch Moses isn’t in the reported squad despite being the incumbent halfback. Moses and Dearden were the halves when Australia won the Pacific Championships last year, but that was with Cleary and Munster out. There’s been no word as to whether Moses is unavailable or simply overlooked.
Australia and England will play three Tests on consecutive Saturdays starting October 23 (Australian time). It’s the first rugby league Ashes series since 2003.
Kangaroos’ reported 23-player squad for Ashes: