LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
Gallagher Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has announced the 21-man squad for the upcoming 2023 Pacific Championships, which will commence on October 14.
The squad features a total of four debutants and eight grand finalists.
According to roosters.com.au, James Tedesco and Lindsay Collins have been named in the squad.
Several players from the Brisbane Broncos, including Selwyn Cobbo, Thomas Flegler, and Kotoni Staggs, will be making their first appearance for the Kangaroos.
Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan, who are also from the Broncos, will join their teammates in the campaign.
Additionally, Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, and Liam Martin, who have won the premiership three times, have been included in the squad.
Meninga has decided to retain 16 players from the successful World Cup squad, including the Panthers trio.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, the Dolphins fullback who played as a centre for Queensland in their Origin series victory earlier this year, will be another debutant in the squad.
The Kangaroos' captaincy will be shared by James Tedesco and Lindsay Collins, with Ben Hunt and Harry Grant expected to split the hooking role, similar to last year's World Cup campaign.
Meninga expressed satisfaction with the squad, stating that it consists of both experienced players and those who have excelled at the club and state levels in 2023.