Australian rugby league has named its men’s and women’s sides for Test games on opposite sides of the world this weekend.
In England, Kangaroos captain Isaah Yeo returns to the men’s squad for the third Ashes test in the only change to the squad.
Yeo was rested from the side that defeated England 14-4 in Liverpool last weekend for a 2-0 lead in the three-Test series.
He was rested after a concussion injury in the side’s 26-6 first Test victory at Wembley two weekends ago but has since been passed fit.
With the third Test to be held at Headingley Stadium this Saturday, Lindsay Smith returns to the bench.
Australian coach Kevin Walters is backing the same squad the won the Ashes series.
“We’ve had to work exceptionally hard in challenging conditions to win the opening two Tests,” he told nrl.com.au.
“While we’d like to reward the extended squad for their outstanding efforts on tour, we just feel that the players who have got the job done deserve to play in Leeds,” he says.
“The playing group has had a few days off to freshen up and now it’s back to work – we’ve trained well today and we’ve still got the captain’s run to get our ourselves where we need to be for what is a very important Test match for both sides.”
The Australian squad (with jersey numbers): 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Gehamat Shibasaki, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Patrick Carrigan, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Hudson Young, 13. Isaah Yeo (c), 14. Tom Dearden, 15. Lindsay Collins, 16. Reuben Cotter, 17. Keaon Koloamatangi, 18. Bradman Best, 19. Lindsay Smith, 20. Mitchell Moses.
AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S SQUAD
Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner has named her team to take on New Zealand, again, in the women’s Pacific Cup final at Parramatta this Sunday.
Tamika Upton returns at fullback from a minor calf strain after last weekend’s 10-4 win over the Kiwis, Olivia Higgins comes in at hooker to replace Keeley Davis (shoulder) and Cowboys NRLW flyer Jakiya Whitfeld is on the wing.
Skinner says the Australians are looking to improve on their gritty performance in Auckland when the nations square off again this Sunday.
“We knew last week in Auckland was going to be a step up and there were a lot of positives in coming away with a win in a tight contest, but we know we have to be better in all facets of the game to come out on top again in the final,” she told the nrl.com.au website.
“We are excited for the challenge of playing for a major trophy in front of our home fans.”
The Australian squad (with jersey numbers): 1. Tamika Upton, 2. Julia Robinson, 3. Isabelle Kelly, 4. Tiana Penitani Gray, 5. Jakiya Whitfeld, 6. Ali Brigginshaw (c), 7. Jesse Southwell, 8. Ellie Johnston, 9. Olivia Higgins, 10. Jessika Elliston, 11. Kezie Apps (c), 12. Yasmin Clydsdale, 13. Olivia Kernick, 14. Quincy Dodd, 15. Keilee Joseph, 16. Jessica Sergis, 17. Rima Butler, 18. Sarah Togatuki, 19. Abbi Church, 20. Jocelyn Kelleher.
- In the Pacific Cup men’s final at Parramatta, New Zealand take on Toa Samoa while Cook Islands play South Africa in a RLWC26 qualifier.
