Australia’s Head Coach Kevin Walters has announced that Harry Grant will captain the Kangaroos in the upcoming second Test against England, taking place at Liverpool’s Hill Dickinson Stadium this Saturday. This will be Grant’s first time in a leadership role for the Kangaroos after the team learned that regular captain Isaah Yeo will not participate as he enters the return-to-play concussion protocols.
In light of Yeo’s absence, Walters has praised both Grant and Yeo for their leadership throughout the tour so far. “Harry and all of the senior players for that matter stepped up after Isaah’s unfortunate injury last week,” Walters noted. He expressed optimism, highlighting that, while Yeo will not be on the field, his impact and leadership will be felt around the squad. “I’m really pleased with the way we’ve started the series, but we’re into a new week now and our focus is preparing well and being at our very best this Saturday.”
Lindsay Smith, Yeo’s club teammate, will join the 17-man squad for the Liverpool Test, marking only his second appearance for the Kangaroos after an impressive debut during last year’s Pacific Championships final.
Following their 26-6 victory over England in the opening Test, which was witnessed by a record crowd of 60,812 in the UK Rugby League Ashes, the Kangaroos lead the series 1-0. In the opening match, several players made their international debuts, including Mark Nawaqanitawase, Gehamat Shibasaki, Reece Walsh, and Keaon Koloamatangi.
The Kangaroos’ squad for the second Test includes:
1. Reece Walsh
2. Mark Nawaqanitawase
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Cameron Munster
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Lindsay Collins
9. Harry Grant ©
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11. Angus Crichton
12. Hudson Young
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Tom Dearden
15. Lindsay Smith
16. Reuben Cotter
17. Keaon Koloamatangi
18. Bradman Best
19. Jacob Preston
20. Mitchell Moses
As the Kangaroos prepare for another exciting chapter in their tour, the focus will be on maintaining momentum and leveraging the strong performance from their last match to secure another victory against England. Fans and players alike are eager to see how the squad rises to the challenge.
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