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Australia’s men’s and women’s squads have been named for Sunday’s Pacific rugby league Championship clash with New Zealand in Christchurch.
Kangaroos head coach Mal Meninga stayed with the same squad that defeated Tonga 18-0 last week in Brisbane.
“We want to build our combinations and keep improving our cohesion,” Meninga said.
“The squad’s attitude and mentality towards the Pacific Championships has been excellent with everyone contributing.
“We know we are in for a tough battle against New Zealand and we are focused on being better every day.”
New Zealand defeated the Kangaroos 30-0 in Hamilton, NZ, in last year’s championship final.
The squad: Dylan Edwards, Xavier Coates, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Tom Trbojevic, Zac Lomax, Tom Dearden, Mitch Moses, Patrick Carrigan, Harry Grant, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Cameron Murray, Isaah Yeo, Matt Burton, Mitch Barnett, Reuben Cotter, Hudson Young, Ben Hunt and Lindsay Smith
WOMEN
In the women’s game, Jillaroos coach Brad Donald says his side is focused on revenge against the Kiwi Ferns.
“It has been a long 12 months for the squad since losing to the Kiwi Ferns in our last matchup of 2023,” he says.
Donald says the team has moved on from their 84-0 drubbing of PNG last week already.
“… all the focus now is on Sunday’s match and reversing last year’s result,” he says.
“The team is excited to be in Christchurch and looking forward to building on combinations from last week’s match.
“We are eager to fine tune our preparation for our opposition and the New Zealand conditions over the next couple of days.”
Keeley Davis joins the squad as injury cover for Lauren Brown and Quincy Dodd, who suffered a minor quad injury last week.
The squad: Tamika Upton, Julia Robinson, Isabelle Kelly, Tiana Penitani, Jakiya Whitfeld, Ali Brigginshaw (c), Tarryn Aiken, Millie Elliott, Olivia Higgins, Shannon Mato, Kezie Apps (c), Yasmin Clydsdale, Simaima Taufa, Jessika Elliston, Sarah Togatuki, Keilee Joseph, Mahalia Murphy, Jessica Sergis, Abbi Church and Keeley Davis.
