Kangaroos Name Six Debutants for Pacific Championships Opener Against Tonga

Coach Mal Meninga emphasizes the importance of earning the Australian jersey amid a wave of new selections for the upcoming match.

The Kangaroos will feature six new players, including Mitch Moses and Tom Dearden, in the lineup against Tonga at Suncorp Stadium.
Veteran utility Ben Hunt has been omitted in favor of Matt Burton, who will provide cover for Tom Trbojevic in the centers.
Meninga is mindful of maintaining the prestige of the Australian jersey despite the high turnover of players since the COVID pandemic.
The decision to omit Kalyn Ponga was based on team merit, with Dylan Edwards selected as the preferred fullback.
Tonga's captain, Jason Taumalolo, remains confident despite Australia's new-look team, highlighting the experience of their debutants.