LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Parramatta Eels and New South Wales Blues standout Mitchell Moses has been added to the PM's XIII squad, providing crucial game time ahead of a match against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby this Sunday.
Initially, only Keaon Koloamatangi, who will captain the PM's XIII, and Ethan Strange were set to participate in the upcoming clash before heading to England, with the remaining Kangaroos players not selected.
However, following the injury withdrawals of Melbourne Storm's Xaxiver Coates and Moses' teammate Zac Lomax, Bradman Best and Josh Addo-Carr were called up to the Kangaroos squad.
Best was already included in the PM's XIII and, having not played since the NRL season ended, will benefit from the additional game time alongside Moses.
Moses' inclusion comes as injuries to Brad Schneider and Nick Meaney forced their withdrawal from the trip. As a result, the PM's XIII will be down to 19 players instead of the usual 20, leaving uncertainty regarding Moses' position on the field.
With Kevin Walters coaching both teams, he might adjust Ethan Strange's role, moving him from five-eighth to centre to fill Meaney's spot, while Moses could take on the halfback position, and Jayden Campbell may shift into the number six role.