LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Melbourne Storm are kicking goals on the international stage with ten of their star players selected to represent their countries in the upcoming October and November matches.
After being crowned the Dally M Hooker of the Year for the second time, Harry Grant has been given the vice captaincy for the Kangaroos.
Joining him is Xavier Coates, who will be making his debut in the green and gold against the Tongan XIII in the Pacific Championships opener on Friday 18 October.
Coates is one of eight rookies in the Kangaroos squad, earning his spot with a stellar Origin campaign and standout performances for both the NRL and Storm, where he clinched both the NRL Try of the Year and Storm Try of the Year awards.
Jahrome Hughes, the 2024 Cameron Smith Player of the Year and Dally M Medallist, will be representing the NZ Kiwis.
Will Warbrick also gets his chance to wear the Kiwi jersey after honing his skills in camp over the past two seasons.
Although Hughes was eager to don the black and white once again, he had to bow out under medical advice, leaving Kiwi coach Stacey Jones to look for a replacement.
Meanwhile, Tui Kamikamica will be leading Fiji Bati, a well-deserved honor after a successful trial match in his homeland earlier this season.
And Tonga has called up Eli Katoa, winner of the Dally M Second-Row Award, as they gear up for their debut in the Pacific Championships tournament.