SportNZ Herald

Kiwis v Kangaroos: Newcastle Knights grand finalists Kalyn Ponga, Dane Gagai named for NZ debuts

Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai will make their New Zealand debuts in the Rugby League World Cup opener against the Kangaroos, with Gagai set to become the Kiwis' second-oldest test debutant.

Dane Gagai will become New Zealand’s second-oldest test debutant when he joins fellow first-time Kiwi Kalyn Ponga in the Rugby League World Cup opener...

The Long Sip
What happened

Newcastle Knights grand finalists Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai have both been named to make their New Zealand test debuts in the Rugby League World Cup opener against Australia.

The detail

Gagai will become New Zealand's second-oldest test debutant, while Ponga lines up at fullback after previously representing the Maori All Stars three times.

And then

For the Kangaroos, Reece Walsh gets the fullback jersey ahead of Dally M winner James Tedesco, with Cameron Munster and Mitchell Moses in the halves.

Full story at NZ Herald

What readers are saying

FriendsSundayLunch_Pip
Shannon Mato switching from Australia to honour her birth country is genuinely moving, and the fact that Ricky Henry's built a squad with four World Cup-seasoned players alongside the debutants shows real planning for Sunday against Fiji 🏉
NDISMumKaz
Good on Dane Gagai getting his shot, but Phoenix Crossland missing through suspension is rough timing.
CraigieburJayden
so reece walsh gets picked over tedesco at fullback for the kangaroos - is that a permanent shift or just for this game?
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