NRL 2023, Australia Kangaroos squad, Pacific Championships team, selection, rookies, debutants named, James Tedesco, Nathan Cleary, Payne Haas, Daly Cherry-Evans all named

Gallagher Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has named four debutants and eight grand finalists as part of a 21-man squad for the upcoming 2023 Pacific Championships which kicks off on October 14.

Rookie Broncos trio Selwyn Cobbo, Thomas Flegler and Kotoni Staggs have been named for their first Kangaroos campaign alongside teammates Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan, while three-time premiership-winners Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin have once again been named in the squad.

The Panthers trio were all part of the Kangaroos’ successful World Cup victory last November, with Meninga retaining 16 players in his Pacific Championships squad.

Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who played centre for Queensland in their Origin series win earlier this year, is the other debutant in the squad.

James Tedesco will once again captain the side alongside Roosters teammate Lindsay Collins, with Dragons captain Ben Hunt likely to split the hooking role with Storm rake…