Five debutants to look out for in Kangaroos squad

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has made sweeping changes to his squad for the forthcoming Pacific Championships Cup.

Australia were stunned by New Zealand in the final last year, losing 30-0, and Meninga is keen to ensure there is no repeat.

With that in mind he has left out some big names, including James Tedesco, Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic.

With Nathan Cleary also out injured, the 21-man squad has a whole new look to it, with debuts being handed to eight players.

It is a sign of how much strength-in-depth Meninga has available to him that the players stepping in are still high quality.

The Kangaroos get their Pacific Championships Cup campaign underway against Tonga this week and will look to hit the ground running.

Let’s take a look at five debutantes that will be looking to grab their opportunity with both hands.

. What: Australia v Tonga
. Where: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
. When: 19:10 (AEST) Friday 18th October, 2024
. How to watch: Channel 9, Foxtel, Kayo
. Odds: Australia 1.14, Tonga 5.50

Mitchell Moses

Moses is without doubt one of the best halfbacks in the NRL, but due to the amount of talent in that area, he has not had a chance.

Until now that is. With Nathan Cleary injured and Daly Cherry-Evans left out, Moses will now get his chance in the No.7 jersey.

There are concerns over his fitness after an injury-hit season with Parramatta, but Meninga must be confident that he is ready to fire.

Tom Dearden

Dearden had an outstanding season in the halves with North Queensland Cowboys, and will now get his chance with the Kangaroos.

Dearden also represents Queensland at five-eighth in State of Origin, so will have no issues stepping into the Kangaroos side if called upon.

He is expected to line up alongside Moses in a new-look halves partnership, and although they have never played together, it is a partnership that excites.

Bradman Best

Best is a powerful centre who shone for the Newcastle Knights in 2024 and is deserving of a call up to the Kangaroos squad.

Arguably his best performance of the year was saved for State of Orgin, where he played a huge role for New South Wales in the game three decider.

Meninga has clearly taken State of Origin form into consideration, hence why Best has got the nod.

Zak Lomax

Lomax starred for the Dragons and New South Wales in 2024 and his versatility will be valuable for Meninga.

Equally comfortable on the wing or in the centres, Lomax can also play at fullback and provide cover for Dylan Edwards.

Lomax scored 14 tries for the Dragons in 2024 and will be a threat if he gets his chance.

Xavier Coates

Coates is another player who will be a huge threat after being handed his Kangaroos debut.

The winger had another season for the Melbourne Storm who made it to the 2024 grand final before losing to the Penrith Panthers.