Panthers premiership-winning prop Lindsay Smith is being considered as a shock Kangaroos bolter after playing a part in Penrith’s grand final triumph.
The Panthers bench prop forward is being discussed at the Australian selectors meeting on Monday and is expected to be included in the Kangaroos squad.
Lindsay Smith is set to make his Kangaroos debut.Credit: Getty Images
Nathan Cleary has been booked in for shoulder surgery in a fortnight’s time, ending his slim hopes of representing the Kangaroos in the Pacific Championships.
The four-time premiership-winning halfback’s withdrawal has opened the door for Mitchell Moses to make his Australian debut.
His halves partner could be North Queensland playmaker Tom Dearden, with Cameron Munster unlikely to be available due to injury.
Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards has indicated he wants to play, while his teammate Liam Martin is unlikely as he battles separate shoulder and rib cartilage issues.
Australia’s preliminary squad
- Fullbacks: James Tedesco (Roosters), Dylan Edwards (Panthers)
- Wingers: Zac Lomax (Dragons), Xavier Coates (Storm)
- Centres: Tom Trbojevic (Sea Eagles), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins), Kotoni Staggs (Broncos), Bradman Best (Knights)
- Halves: Nathan Cleary (Panthers), Cameron Munster (Storm), Mitchell Moses (Eels), Tom Dearden (Cowboys), Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles)
- Hookers: Harry Grant (Storm), Reece Robson (Cowboys)
- Props: Lindsay Collins (Roosters), Reuben Cotter (Cowboys), Jake Trbojevic (Sea Eagles), Mitch Barnett (Warriors)
- Second-rowers: Liam Martin (Panthers), Angus Crichton (Roosters), Hudson Young (Raiders), Cameron Murray (Rabbitohs), Jeremiah Nanai (Cowboys)
- Locks: Isaah Yeo (Panthers), Patrick Carrigan (Broncos)
- Utilities: Connor Watson (Roosters), Matt Burton (Bulldogs), Ben Hunt (Dragons)
The Australian preliminary squad will be reduced from 30 men to 21 on Monday, with an official announcement in the afternoon.
More to come.
