SYDNEY: Australian coach Tim Sheens yesterday made five changes to the side that beat New Zealand last year for the Kangaroos team to take on the Kiwis in Canberra on Friday.
Australian regulars Justin Hodges, Luke Lewis, Anthony Watmough and Sam Thaiday return to the side after missing last October’s encounter through injury.
Newcastle Knights utility Kurt Gidley is set to play his first game for the national team since 2010 after being named on the interchange bench.
Back rower Tony Williams, who has been in poor form for the Canterbury Bulldogs this season, missed out on selection while Melbourne’s Ryan Hoffman was also squeezed out of the team.
The Kangaroos beat New Zealand 18-10 in their last meeting in Townsville, north Queensland, last October after winning 20-12 in Auckland last April.
Meanwhile, Australian coach Tim Sheens said yesterday World Cup places were still up for grabs after making five team changes for this week’s rugby league Test against New Zealand in Canberra.
Australian regulars Justin Hodges, Luke Lewis, Anthony Watmough and Sam Thaiday return to the side for Friday’s Test after missing last October’s 18-10 win over the Kiwis in Townsville through injury.
Newcastle Knights utility Kurt Gidley is set to play his first game for the national team since 2010 after being named on the interchange bench.
“It’s a side that is quite familiar, but it is a long year and nobody is guaranteed a spot,’ Sheens said.
“State of Origin always throws up a few candidates and was originally used as a trial for the Test side.”
Back rower Tony Williams, who has been in poor form for the Canterbury Bulldogs this season, missed out on selection while Melbourne’s Ryan Hoffman was also squeezed out of the team.
Canterbury’s Josh Morris is named 18th man as a precaution, with Nate Myles keeping his place ahead of Williams.
Agencies
