Suncorp Stadium will host some of the Pacific Championship games. Picture: ANDREW KACIMAIWAI
The 21-player Kangaroos men and Jillaroos (women) squads for the 2024 Pacific rugby league championship have been confirmed.
The Kangaroos selectors have named eight debutants in the squad, who will play Tonga in Brisbane on October 18 and against New Zealand in Christchurch on October 27.
The Commission also confirmed Isaah Yeo as captain and Harry Grant as vice-captain. Yeo takes over the captaincy from James Tedesco.
“These are the best of the best and they will represent Australia with pride. Selection in this team is the ultimate achievement in our game,” Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys says.
“There was strong competition for a number of positions and I am excited to see what this group of players can achieve in the green and gold.”
Kangaroos Coach Mal Meninga congratulated all of the players on their selection.
“We saw some outstanding individual performances through the (NRL) finals series as well as the grand final,” Meninga says.
“This group has experience in the green and gold and will be motivated to win.”
Meninga says the tournament is “important” for the Kangaroos.
“We will face some high-quality opposition in Tonga and New Zealand in what is the biggest international competition in the Pacific.”
The squad (NRL team in brackets) is as follows: Mitch Barnett (Warriors), Matt Burton (Bulldogs), Bradman Best (Knights), Patrick Carrigan (Broncos), Xavier Coates (Storm), Lindsay Collins (Roosters), Reuben Cotter (Cowboys), Angus Crichton (Roosters), Tom Dearden (Cowboys), Dylan Edwards (Panthers), Harry Grant (Storm), Ben Hunt and Zac Lomax (Dragons), Liam Martin (Panthers), Mitch Moses (Eels), Cameron Murray (Rabbitohs), Reece Robson (Cowboys), Lindsay Smith (Panthers), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins), Tom Trbojevic (Sea Eagles) and Isaah Yeo (Panthers).
JILLAROOS
In the women’s Pacific Championship, the Jillaroos will play PNG in Brisbane on October 18 and NZ at Christchurch on October 27.
The Commission also confirmed Ali Brigginshaw and Kezie Apps as co-captains.
“The strength and quality of the NRLW competition and the expanded State of Origin series has made competition for selections fierce,” V’landys says.
“Further expansion of the NRLW competition, a match in Las Vegas and a World Cup on the horizon will set a path for significant growth for the women’s game and the Australian national team.”
Jillaroos Coach Brad Donald congratulated the players.
“The squad is a good reflection of where the women’s game is at right now,” Donald says.
“We have a great balance of experience and youth in this squad and highlights the depth of talent available.
“A broader squad came together at camp in January and outlined their aspirations leading into 2026 Rugby League World Cup, including player expectations for on and off-field standards.
“I feel this camp raised expectations and competition for positions this year and puts us in a very healthy position for the Pacific Championship and beyond.”
The squad is: Tarryn Aiken (Roosters), Kezie Apps (Tigers), Ali Brigginshaw (Broncos, Lauren Brown (Titans), Abbi Church (Eels), Yasmin Clydsdale (Knights), Quincy Dodd (Sharks), Millie Elliott (Roosters), Jessika Elliston (Titans), Olivia Higgins (Knights), Keilee Joseph (Broncos), Isabelle Kelly (Roosters), Shannon Mato (Titans), Mahalia Murphy (Eels), Tiana Penitani (Sharks), Julia Robinson (Broncos), Simaima Taufa (Raiders), Jess Sergis (Roosters), Sara Togatuki (Tigers), Tamika Upton (Knights) and Jakiya Whitfeld (Cowboys).
