New Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters is reportedly close to finalising his 23-man squad for the upcoming Ashes Tour, with seven new faces set to earn a plane ticket to the UK.

The SMH have reported the likely 23-man squad, which could change depending on if any players suffer injuries in Sunday’s grand final between Brisbane and Melbourne.

Reece Walsh’s stellar late season form was too good for Walters to pass up. The livewire fullback has won a spot in the squad alongside other Kangaroos first timers Blayke Brailey (Sharks), Bradman Best (Knights), Ethan Strange (Raiders), Jacob Preston (Bulldogs) and Keaon Koloamatangi (Souths).

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Mark Nawaqanitwase’s sensational rookie season for the Roosters also won him selection. The former Wallabies star is now likely to join a rare list of players who have represented Australia in both rugby league and rugby union.

Several players from last year’s Australian squad won’t be making the trip.

Payne Haas has switched allegiances and will represent Samoa while Latrell Mitchell, James Tedesco, Liam Martin, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Tom Trbojevic are all unavailable.

With Tedesco out of the frame, the SMH have reported that Walsh is the favourite to wear the No. 1 jersey in the Kangaroos’ opening Ashes Test on October 25.

Despite his brilliant form in the back end of the season, Mitch Moses has missed out on selection with Walters choosing to roll with a halves pairing of Cam Munster and Nathan Cleary. Cowboys co-captain Tom Dearden has won the race for the No. 14 jersey and is set to provide plenty of spark off the bench.

LIKELY KANGAROOS SQUAD (according to the SMH)

*Hasn’t represented Kangaroos

Reece Walsh*

Dylan Edwards

Zac Lomax

Xavier Coates

Mark Nawaqanitawase*

Kotoni Staggs

Bradman Best*

Ethan Strange*

Cam Munster

Nathan Cleary

Tom Dearden

Harry Grant

Blayke Brailey*

Pat Carrigan

Lindsay Collins

Jacob Preston*

Isaah Yeo

Angus Crichton

Hudson Young

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

Reuben Cotter

Lindsay Smith

Keaon Koloamatangi*