LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
After advancing to the second week of the 2025 NRL Finals, four players from the Canterbury Bulldogs are reportedly being considered for selection to represent Australia against England.
As the announcement of his squad for the 2025 Ashes Series approaches, coach Kevin Walters is contemplating the potential debuts of Jacob Kiraz, Jacob Preston, and Max King, according to Code Sports.
Additionally, five-time international Matt Burton is also in the mix, having showcased his versatility during the 2024 Pacific Championships, where he played three matches across various back-line positions.
If King makes his debut, it would round off a remarkable 12 months for him, which included his first State of Origin appearance for New South Wales. This debut would also prevent him from being selected by England in future competitions.
"I always say I'm half English and half Aussie … I'd love to be able to get a call off anyone," King told AAP in April.
"The phone is always on and I'm always available to any caller." Meanwhile, Kiraz and Preston were on the verge of making their debuts for the Blues, with Kiraz having been selected by Mal Meninga for the Kangaroos before an injury sidelined him.
"I'm really, really proud, first and foremost, to be given the opportunity to coach the Kangaroos," coach Kevin Walters expressed. "I've certainly played as a Kangaroo many times but now to get the opportunity to coach them, it's really exciting and I feel really privileged as well to hold the post."