Meninga names extended squad with several changes
Australia coach Mal Meninga has named an extended 19- man squad for the clash against the Kiwis.
Meninga will make several changes to the side that beat Scotland, with Queensland big guns Johnathan Thurston, Greg Inglis, Darius Boyd and Matt Scott all recalled after being rested for the 54- 12 win at Hull.
Back- rowers Matt Gillett and Boyd Cordner also return along with Cronulla wing Valentine Holmes.
However, St George Illawarra pair Tyson Frizell and Josh Dugan and Manly young gun Jake Trbojevic are omitted along with Cooper Cronk, who, as expected, will be kept fresh for the England match in London next week.
North Queensland’s Michael Morgan is likely to get the nod over James Maloney to partner his Cowboys teammate Thurston in the halves.
“We know the Kiwis will be a significant challenge for us so it will be great to welcome back some of the players who missed the Scotland game,” Meninga said.
“Having said that, it is still important to try out a few combinations and I am looking forward to seeing what this squad can do against the Kiwis.”
Josh Mansour’s serious knee injury has cast a shadow over preparations for the game at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.
The Penrith winger was in line to be picked on the wing after impressing Meninga against Scotland but will return to Australia for surgery to repair the ruptured anterior cruciate ligament injury he sustained in training on Thursday.
Holmes, was impressive on debut against the Kiwis last month and Meninga is excited about unleashing the Sharks flyer against the side he tormented in Perth.
“Valentine Holmes’ debut was fantastic,” said Meninga. “He brings a new dimension to the position. He’s got speed, he’s a great competitor playing outside Greg Inglis.”
Meninga has a 100 per cent record from the three matches he’s been in charge of since replacing Tim Sheens in late 2015.
Taking on the role meant he had to reluctantly walk away from the Queensland job following a decadelong run of success.
He admits not being involved with the side for the first time since 2005 was harder than he expected but he’s been relishing the chance to lead Australia back to the No 1 team in the world — a position held by the Kiwis.
“I missed it, and I missed it because I love being around the players,” he said.
“It makes you young again and it’s a great position to be in when you’re coaching a representative side whether it be Queensland or Australia.”