We are just six NRL rounds away from the finals series kicking off.
Looking past that though, there’s a salivating Test series kicking off in late October.
The first Kangaroos tour of England in 22 years. The rugby league Ashes are on the line!
Kevin Walters has been named the Kangaroos coach and will now oversee the three test match Ashes series against England.
With news that a 22-man squad is set to be named, we’re almost assured to see some fresh faces head overseas.
With Roos regulars Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Payne Haas and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow all considering playing for Samoa at the end of the season, there are potential spots up from grabs.
Factor in injuries, post season commitments and the need to refresh the squad, I’d argue we’re due a few “bolters”.
Now this term is very much up for debate. For instance, I see Lindsay Smith as a bolter, given the fact he was overlooked for Origin.
The fact he represented the Kangaroos recently though means he won’t be seen as a bolter by many others. I’ve not added him here for that one short stint off the bench.
I’m going to assume that Isaiya Katoa plays for Tonga and Terrell May represents Samoa so they’re not named below.
Here are the players I consider genuine bolters who may be named in that 22 man Ashes squad:
Harry Grant will almost certainly be named as the number one, number nine for the tour, but I’d argue that Blayke Brailey should be named as his deputy.
You could always take Ben Hunt as an option but Brailey’s form has been incredible, and he’s eight and a bit years younger than Hunt.
Robson is a shout but I’d be taking the form player. Right now that is the Sharks hooker.
He touches the ball more than any player in the competition. He makes more tackles than any other player in the comp. He runs from dummy half more than any player in the comp.
If Walters intends to pick on form and establish himself as a long-term coach of the Kangaroos, he almost has to pick Brailey.