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Silver Ferns LIVE from 9pmStar rugby convert headlines four Kangaroos debutants
Joel Gould, AAP •  October 22nd, 2025 6:00 am
Ex-Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase will become a dual international when the Kangaroos take to Wembley | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Australia will unleash the dazzling skills of new dual international Mark Nawaqanitawase on England at Wembley Stadium, alongside equally electrifying fellow Kangaroos debutant Reece Walsh..
The razzle dazzle duo join Brisbane rags to riches centre Gehamat Shibasaki and South Sydney powerhouse Keaon Koloamatangi as the four debutants in the opening Test of rugby league's Ashes series on Sunday (NZ time).
Winger Nawaqanitawase, who previously played for the Wallabies, had a breakout season for the Sydney Roosters where his 24 tries in 23 games resulted in him being the NRL's leading tryscorer for the year.
Mark Nawaqanitawase scored 24 tries for the Roosters in 2025 | Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP
The individual brilliance of Nawaqanitawase - Australia's first rugby-to-league dual international since Scott Gourley in 1991 - combined with the skills of Clive Churchill Medal winner Walsh at fullback, will pose a massive threat to England.
Walsh, 23, has unseated incumbent fullback Dylan Edwards after a stellar back half of the NRL season, culminating in one of the greatest individual displays in a grand final to inspire Brisbane to premiership glory.
Australia's back five has a Broncos look to it, with journeyman Shibasaki joining his Brisbane centre partner Kotoni Staggs.
Shibasaki started the year on a train-and-trial deal before becoming one of the Broncos' best performers and earning a Queensland debut in the State of Origin decider, where he outplayed NSW opposite number Stephen Crichton in a famous victory.
His Test debut will cap an extraordinary year.
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Koloamatangi was the Rabbitohs' best forward in a disappointing season for the club. He previously represented Tonga on the international stage but made himself available for Kangaroos selection.
He will come off the bench and complement a powerful pack that includes Pat Carrigan, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and captain Isaah Yeo.
There were no surprises in the halves with Melbourne magician Cameron Munster and Penrith maestro Nathan Cleary the obvious choices.
North Queensland and Maroons playmaker Tom Dearden, who was the player of the Maroons' Origin campaign, will fill the No. 14 role that he has previously played for Queensland.
Gehamat Shibasaki shone in his Origin debut for Queensland | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
Coach Kevin Walters said the Kangaroos' debutants deserved their spots.
"It's going to be a huge thrill for all four of them to wear the green and gold for the first time in a Test match at such an iconic stadium," Walters said.
"I'm excited for them as well as all of our players. Every member of our squad, whether they take the field or not, is about to experience something incredibly special at Wembley.
"As I've said from day one of our preparations here in England, we're on this Ashes journey together because it's going to take a collective effort from everyone involved."
AUSTRALIA: 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Gehamat Shibasaki, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Patrick Carrigan, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Hudson Young, 13. Isaah Yeo (C), 14. Tom Dearden, 15. Lindsay Collins, 16. Reuben Cotter, 17. Keaon Koloamatangi, 18. Bradman Best, 19. Lindsay Smith, 20. Mitchell Moses.
