Australia coach Mal Meninga has picked five debutants for the Kangaroos side to play New Zealand on Friday – but South Sydney’s Dally M Lock of the Year Cameron Murray won’t be one of them.
Payne Haas, Nick Cotric, Jack Wighton, Josh Addo-Carr and Paul Vaughan will make their debuts with Murray unlucky to miss out, being named 18th man.
Grand finalist Cotric will line up on the wing next to Canberra teammate and Clive Churchill Medallist Wighton who has been named in the centres.
They are two of 13 NSW players in the squad, following on from the Blues’ State of Origin series win this season.
“I’ve always dreamt about playing for the Australian team and now I get the chance to do it. I’ve still got goosebumps down my spine,” Cotric said.
“It’s been a crazy year. A lot has happened this year, it’s overwhelming. I’m still buzzing, I just can’t wait to get out there and play.”
The Kiwis have also confirmed their team with four debutants in the side.
Raiders fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has been named in the centres, while fellow debutants Zane Tetevano, Braden Hamlin-Uele and Corey Harawira-Naera have all been named on the Kiwis bench.
The two teams will face off in the Oceania Cup Test at WIN Stadium on Friday night.
Teams:
Australia: James Tedesco, Josh Addo-Carr, Latrell Mitchell, Jack Wighton, Nick Cotric, Cameron Munster, Daly Cherry-Evans, Josh Papalii, Damien Cook, David Klemmer, Boyd Cordner, Tyson Frizell, Jake Trbojevic. Res: Ben Hunt, Payne Haas, Paul Vaughan, Wade Graham.
New Zealand: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Ken Maumalo, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Joseph Manu, Jamayne Isaako, Shaun Johnson, Benji Marshall, Leeson Ah Mau, Brandon Smith, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Briton Nikora, Kenny Bromwich, Adam Blair, Jahrome Hughes. Res: Zane Tetevano, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Corey Harawira-Naera.