They are still very much in the education stages of their careers,but these young men now hold the key to their country’s Pacific Championships hopes.
In a clunky,error-riddled performances,the Kangaroos found a win to conquer Tonga,but leave Brisbane with questions to answer.
The Jillaroos take on the Orchids at Suncorp Stadium before the Kangaroos go head-to-head with Tonga. Follow the action:
Tom Dearden was shackled by early expectations,and for a period,that pressure proved insurmountable. But key childhood moments indicated he wouldn’t stay down long.
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga’s changing of the guard has continued,with a veteran axed and six debutants named for Friday’s Pacific Championships opener.
Injuries will rule the Clive Churchill Medal winner out of the Pacific Championships,and potentially keep Nathan Cleary from the Panthers’ Las Vegas match.
A rollercoaster rookie year is about to end on a high for Lachlan Galvin,who is expected to be called up to wear the green and gold for the first time.
One of international rugby league’s most inspirational leaders leaves behind a massive void,but one player has been declared the man to fill those shoes.
It took just one training session for a Dolphins youngster to demand Tonga selection,and now he has three Tests to prove he is the club’s long-term maestro.
Another clash between the sides,which met in last year’s decider in Manchester,is being pitched as part of a revival of the “Four Nations” concept.
Samoa beat Pacific island rivals Tonga 20-18 in a nail-biter in Warrington to reach the final four for the first time in their history.