LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Kangaroos Squad Overhauled as Cleary Injury Confirmed, Tedesco and DCE Culled
In a move that has shocked many in the rugby league world, Mal Meninga has wielded the axe on veterans James Tedesco and Daly Cherry-Evans, as well as Jake Trbojevic, in his revamped Kangaroos squad.
The decision comes on the heels of Nathan Cleary confirming the need for immediate surgery on his shoulder, ruling him out of the upcoming Pacific Championship Test matches.
Tedesco's omission is particularly surprising, given his standout season with the Roosters, where he narrowly missed out on the Dally M award.
However, Meninga is looking to shake things up following Australia's disappointing loss to New Zealand in last year's final.
Dylan Edwards of the Panthers has been named as the new fullback, while Kalyn Ponga has been snubbed despite his about-face on previous decisions to step back from selection.
With Cleary and Cherry-Evans sidelined, Mitchell Moses is expected to take on the halfback role, with Tom Dearden likely to slot in at five-eighth.
Meninga also revealed that Isaah Yeo will take on the captaincy duties, fresh off leading the Panthers to a historic fourth consecutive premiership.
The squad features eight debutants, including Moses, Xavier Coates of Melbourne Storm, and Lindsay Smith of Penrith.
The Kangaroos shake-up signals a new era for the national team, as they look to reclaim their dominance on the international stage.