LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
Gallagher Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has announced the 21-man squad for the upcoming 2023 Pacific Championships, with four debutants and eight grand finalists making the cut.
The squad includes rookie Broncos players Selwyn Cobbo, Thomas Flegler, and Kotoni Staggs, who will be making their first appearances for the Kangaroos.
They will be joined by their teammates Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan, who have also been selected.
Three players from the Penrith Panthers, Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, and Liam Martin, have once again been named in the squad.
These three were part of the Kangaroos' successful World Cup victory last year, and Meninga has decided to retain them for the Pacific Championships.
Another debutant in the squad is Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who previously played as a centre for Queensland in their Origin series win earlier this year.
The squad will be led by James Tedesco, who will serve as the captain, alongside his Roosters teammate Lindsay Collins.
Ben Hunt, the captain of the Dragons, is expected to share the hooking role with Storm rake Harry Grant, just as they did in the World Cup campaign last year.
Meninga has expressed his satisfaction with the squad, stating that it consists of a good mix of established players and those who have performed well for their club and state in 2023.
The Pacific Championships will begin on October 14.