Several bolters, and no Sharks players, have been informed by Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga they are in contention for this year’s Pacific Championships.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Meninga has reportedly informed 31 players that they’ve made his preliminary squad for the upcoming internationals.
Among those initially named by Meninga was Bulldogs flyer Jacob Kiraz, who was set to make his Test debut for Australia before a back injury ruled him out of contention.
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Is Kalyn Ponga eligible for New Zealand? | 07:19
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NRL clubs were reportedly notified which of their players could be in line for selection this week, with the broader squad set to be cut down before the Kangaroos’ first Test against Tonga.
No Sharks, Titans or Tigers players have reportedly been included in the preliminary squad, while a host of stars could be set to make their debuts.
Connor Watson, Xavier Coates, Zac Lomax, Tom Dearden, Mitch Barnett and Mitchell Moses are all reportedly in the frame to play for the Kangaroos.
Nathan Cleary, Jeremiah Nanai and Cameron Munster have all been included in the 31-player group, however it remains to be seen whether they will undergo post-season surgeries.
Meanwhile, Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga will also be removed after pulling himself out of selection contention, which has since been met with widespread criticism.
The Panthers have four players included in the squad, alongside the Roosters with the same amount and the Storm with three representatives.
Australia took a 21 man squad to the Pacific Championships last year, having gone down to New Zealand in a 30-0 rout.
AUSTRALIA’S EXTENDED SQUAD
Storm: Cameron Munster, Xavier Coates, Harry Grant
Panthers: Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin
Roosters: James Tedesco, Connor Watson, Angus Crichton, Lindsay Collins
Cowboys: Reece Robson, Reuben Cotter, Tom Dearden, Jeremiah Nanai
Bulldogs: Matt Burton, Jacob Kiraz (out with injury)
Sea Eagles: Daly Cherry-Evans, Tom Trbojevic, Jake Trbojevic
Knights: Bradman Best, Kalyn Ponga (ruled himself out).
Raiders: Hudson Young
Dolphins: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Dragons: Ben Hunt, Zac Lomax
Broncos: Kotoni Staggs, Pat Carrigan
Warriors: Mitch Barnett
Eels: Mitch Moses
Rabbitohs: Cam Murray.
Sharks, Titans, Tigers: No players
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