LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
NRL legend Corey Parker has comprised his Kangaroos XIII for the upcoming Ashes match against England but controversially omitted centres Latrell Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic.
Kevin Walters has been appointed as the national team's coach, with preparations for the three-match Ashes series starting at Wembley Stadium on October 25 already underway.
Walters secured the coaching position over Cameron Smith and has expressed a commitment to keep players like Payne Haas, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow from potentially shifting to Samoa due to recent reports.
With State of Origin concluded and NRL finals approaching, Walters must effectively shape his squad.
Parker believes both Mitchell and Trbojevic won't feature in the starting lineup against England.
Mitchell performed well during the State of Origin series, although he struggled to shine during the deciding Game 3, which Queensland won.
Sadly for him and the South Sydney Rabbitohs, he sustained a hamstring injury in training and has been ruled out for the season.
While he may regain fitness in time for the Australian tour, Parker's decision to exclude him is influenced by concerns over match fitness.
Trbojevic, who was part of the previous squad that clinched the Pacific Championship, has also been left out due to his ongoing injury challenges, which have affected his performance during the current season.