AUSTRALIAN players have lifted the lid on a match-eve ceremony that was the subject of a social media blackout and which set the scene for their overwhelming First Test victory before an UK Ashes record crowd at Wembley.

While England released photos of cricketer Ben Stokes presenting their jersey in London on Friday night, the Kangaroos imposed radio silence over how they would welcome debutants Reece Walsh, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Gehamat Shibasaki and Keaon Koloamatangi.

Teary jersey presentations have become a social media staple and coach Kevin Walters decided on a different approach to solidify the bonds formed during nine days in camp since the team’s arrival in England.

“We presented the jerseys to each other,” said double tryscorer Angus Crichton.
“With the debutants, Patty (Carrigan) presented Reecie’s, Tino (Fa’asuamaleaui) did Keaon’s, I did Marky’s. It was an honour and a privilege.”


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Shibaski received his jersey from Kotoni Staggs. NRL.com has learned the concept was to present jerseys only to the debutants after their selections were initially not highlighted to any great degree and to get away from the social media rituals which may be now bordering on cliche.

It was made clear the interactions were not for immediate public consumption and coaching staff matched each debutant with a club-mate, although because Koloamatangi is the only South Sydney player in the squad, he was matched with Fa’asuamaleaui who is the only one from Gold Coast.

The fact that both have Polynesian backgrounds was also taken into consideration.


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Kangaroos second rower Hudson Young said the ceremony was a moving experience for the whole squad.

“Players become a part of each other’s journey as they come through the ranks,” said Canberra’s Young.

“To have your brothers there to present that, there was obviously a lot of emotion in that. Any time you get to present the green and gold is special.”