Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has named three debutants for the Test match against New Zealand at Perth’s nib Stadium on Saturday night.
Prop Shannon Boyd (Kangaroo No 808), winger Valentine Holmes (809) and interchange forward Tyson Frizell (810) will all play in the green and gold jersey for the first time.
Sam Thaiday will play his 30th Test match for Australia against the Kiwis.
“This will be a great challenge for this team,” coach Meninga said.
“The Kiwis have picked a very strong squad themselves.
“It will be great to see how some of our younger players fare against such an opponent.”
No. Player – Kangaroo No.
1. Darius Boyd – 760
2. Blake Ferguson – 804
3. Greg Inglis – 737
4. Josh Dugan – 801
5. Valentine Holmes – 809*
6. Johnathan Thurston – 731
7. Cooper Cronk – 744
8. Matt Scott – 773
9. Cameron Smith (c) – 738
10. Shannon Boyd – 808*
11. Boyd Cordner – 787
12. Matt Gillett – 789
13. Trent Merrin – 803
Interchange:
14. David Klemmer – 797
15. Michael Morgan – 807
16. Tyson Frizell – 810*
17. Sam Thaiday – 739
* Denotes debutant
