LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Mark Nawaqanitawase has made the transition to dual international status as he and Reece Walsh are part of the four players set to debut for Australia in the upcoming Ashes rugby league Test against England.
Joining Nawaqanitawase and Walsh are Gehamat Shibasaki and Keaon Koloamatangi, marking their first appearances in the highly anticipated clash at Wembley on Sunday morning AEDT.
Nawaqanitawase, who previously represented the Wallabies during the 2022-23 season before switching to rugby league, had an impressive year with the Sydney Roosters. He recorded 24 tries over 23 matches, including a standout performance against Canterbury that gained viral attention online.
Walsh has replaced established fullback Dylan Edwards after a remarkable second half of the NRL season, highlighted by an extraordinary performance in the grand final that propelled the Broncos to victory.
Shibasaki, who has had a varied career, now joins his centre partner from the Broncos, Kotoni Staggs, in the Kangaroos' starting lineup. He began the year on a train-and-trial deal and has since emerged as one of the Broncos' standout players, even earning a debut for Queensland during the State of Origin decider.
Koloamatangi stood out as the best forward for the Rabbitohs during a challenging season for the team.