Melbourne skipper Harry Grant will lead the Kangaroos in this weekend’s second Ashes rugby league Test in England.
Head coach Kevin Walters says Grant replaces Isaah Yeo who will miss the game after he failed a head check early in the first Test last weekend.
The second Test will be held at Liverpool’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Walters praised his players for stepping up in the First Test after Yeo was ruled out.
“While we’d love to have Isaah out there, he’ll still be contributing in many other ways around the group this week,” Walters says.
“He’s a natural leader and so is Harry so we’re in great hands this week.
“I’m really pleased with the way we’ve started the series but we’re into a new week now and our focus is preparing well and being at our very best this Saturday.”
Lindsay Smith joins the match 17 and will be the Penrith forward’s second game for the Kangaroos after a strong debut in last year’s Pacific Championships.
The Kangaroos lead the series 1-0 after last weekend’s 26-6 win over England.
Mark Nawaqanitawase, Gehamat Shibasaki and Reece Walsh retain their starting spots with Keaon Koloamatangi on the bench again.
THE KANGAROOS
Reece Walsh, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Kotoni Staggs, Gehamat Shibasaki, Josh Addo-Carr, Cameron Munster, Nathan Cleary, Lindsay Collins, Harry Grant (c), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Angus Crichton, Hudson Young, Patrick Carrigan, Tom Dearden, Lindsay Smith, Reuben Cotter, Keaon Koloamatangi, Bradman Best, Jacob Preston and Mitchell Moses.
WHEELCHAIRS ASHES
Meanwhile, the two-Test Wheelchair Rugby League Ashes series kicks off on the Gold Coast tomorrow (October 30) and again on Sunday (November 2).
The Wheelaroos will defend their crown against England, the current rugby league wheelchair champions; the series was launched with a reception at Parliament House in Brisbane earlier this week.
Australian captain Brad Grove says his team is primed while his English opposite, Lewis King, says they want to reclaim the Ashes.
ANZAC WOMEN’S GAME
Jillaroos Coach Jess Skinner has named her side for their Pacific Championships clash with New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland on Sunday.
Sharks NRLW prop Ellie Johnston is starting after her strong Test debut off the bench against Samoa in Brisbane while Wests Tigers forward Sarah Togatuki is on the bench.
The squad: Tamika Upton, Julia Robinson, Isabelle Kelly, Tiana Penitani Gray, Jessica Sergis, Ali Brigginshaw (c), Jesse Southwell, Ellie Johnston, Keeley Davis, Jessika Elliston, Kezie Apps (c), Yasmin Clydsdale, Olivia Kernick, Quincy Dodd, Keilee Joseph, Rima Butler, Sarah Togatuki, Jakiya Whitfeld, Abbi Church, Jocelyn Kelleher and Makenzie Weale.
