Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters drops a contender, focusing on dedicated players for the Ashes.
New Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters has made a surprising decision by dropping the first potential contender from his 22-man Ashes squad as the NRL finals approach. Walters is already assessing his selections for the Australian team, which will face England in the upcoming Ashes tour beginning at London's Wembley Stadium on October 25.
He is also monitoring the situation regarding players like Payne Haas, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who are reportedly considering switching their allegiances to Samoa post NRL season. Walters emphasized that he will not select players unwilling to represent the green and gold, aiming to restore pride in the Kangaroo jersey.
Walters is particularly interested in Canberra's five-eighth Ethan Strange, who has had an impressive season, playing a crucial role in leading the Raiders to the top of the table. Strange has been a key figure on the left side of the field for coach Ricky Stuart's team.