Clive Churchill Medal winner James Tedesco is one of several big inclusions for Australia’s second match at the Rugby League World Cup, with coach Kevin Walters making mass changes for Sunday’s showdown with Fiji.
Fresh off a gripping 24-22 win over New Zealand in the tournament opener, Walters has brought in Tedesco, Lindsay Smith, Bradman Best, Sam Walker, Blayke Brailey and others into the starting side.
The plan was always to rotate players in the pool stage, with Best, Walker, Brailey and David Fifita all set to play their first Test for the Kangaroos with the likes of Reece Walsh, Latrell Mitchell, Harry Grant, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin to be rested.
“Fiji have shown what they are capable of with a good performance in their opening game and we know they’ll come out hard and fast on Sunday,” Walters said, with Tedesco to captain the side.
“We’re expecting another physical contest, and we’ll be prepared to meet that challenge.
“We’re very keen to see what some of the new faces in the team can bring.
“Each of them has earned the opportunity to pull on the Kangaroos jersey and they have a chance to put their best foot forward for the remainder of the tournament with a strong performance on Sunday.”
Keano Kini will start at fullback for New Zealand with superstar Kalyn Ponga (broken arm) missing, while Dane Gagai, Moses Leota and Naufahu Whyte have all been rested for the match against the Cook Islands.
Man mountain Xavier Willison starts on an edge, Erin Clark is at lock, while Tanner Stowers-Smith and Jacob Laban will make their debuts off the bench.
Tonga has made a few changes for Friday’s game against Lebanon with Tui Lolohea coming in for Latu Fainu at five-eighth, while Sione Katoa replaces Dallin Watene-Zelezniak on the wing.
Salesi Foketi keeps his spot at dummy-half, with Stefano Utoikamanu promoted to the starting side in the front row.
The Jillaroos have also made several changes for their game against England in Perth.
Jess Sergis, Kezie Apps and Keeley Nizza are some of the players who have been rested, with Abbi Church set to play on the right wing which sees Julia Robinson shift to centre.
Former sevens star Sariah Paki and Makenzie Weale are in line to make their Jillaroos debuts after they were named on the bench.
“We are really happy to give Makenzie and Sariah their opportunity to take to the field this week against England,” Aussie coach Jess Skinner said.
“They have been training well since coming into camp and have been key members of the squad, helping prepare the whole team for the challenges ahead.
“I’m excited to see the impact they’ll bring off the bench, adding energy, physicality and momentum through our rotation.”
Originally published as ‘Earned the opportunity’: Kevin Walters makes mass changes for Australia’s next World Cup game