Wests Tigers captain Robbie Farah has been named in the Australia team to take on England in the World Cup opener on Saturday.
The hooker will start off the bench in a familiar looking Kangaroos line up after edging out Queensland and Sea Eagles Grand Final halfback Daly Cherry-Evans for the utility bench position.
Coach Tim Sheens has also named NSW State of Origin second rower Luke Lewis on the bench to cover any injuries in the outside backs, a role he filled expertly when scoring a quality try against England in 2011 after Billy Slater was injured.
Brent Tate has edged out competition from NSW centres Josh Morris and Michael Jennings for the right centre position, capping a remarkable return from injury.
Forward Andrew Fifita will make his Australia Test debut from the bench as the sole front rower available for interchange.
Cameron Smith will again captain the side from hooker with Paul Gallen his vice-captain lining up at lock forward.
England are yet to name their squad. Controversial second rower Gareth Hock has been replaced in the Lions squad by Brett Ferris after failing to report for training.
Australia: Team: Billy Slater, Brett Morris, Greg Inglis, Brent Tate, Darius Boyd, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Matthew Scott, Cameron Smith (c), James Tamou, Greg Bird, Sam Thaiday, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Andrew Fifita, Luke Lewis, Robbie Farah, Corey Parker
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/andrew-fifita-the-only-new-face-in-kangaroos-side-to-face-england-in-world-cup-opener-20131023-2w1y9.html#ixzz2iaYMnhjv
The hooker will start off the bench in a familiar looking Kangaroos line up after edging out Queensland and Sea Eagles Grand Final halfback Daly Cherry-Evans for the utility bench position.
Coach Tim Sheens has also named NSW State of Origin second rower Luke Lewis on the bench to cover any injuries in the outside backs, a role he filled expertly when scoring a quality try against England in 2011 after Billy Slater was injured.
Brent Tate has edged out competition from NSW centres Josh Morris and Michael Jennings for the right centre position, capping a remarkable return from injury.
Forward Andrew Fifita will make his Australia Test debut from the bench as the sole front rower available for interchange.
Cameron Smith will again captain the side from hooker with Paul Gallen his vice-captain lining up at lock forward.
England are yet to name their squad. Controversial second rower Gareth Hock has been replaced in the Lions squad by Brett Ferris after failing to report for training.
Australia: Team: Billy Slater, Brett Morris, Greg Inglis, Brent Tate, Darius Boyd, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Matthew Scott, Cameron Smith (c), James Tamou, Greg Bird, Sam Thaiday, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Andrew Fifita, Luke Lewis, Robbie Farah, Corey Parker
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/andrew-fifita-the-only-new-face-in-kangaroos-side-to-face-england-in-world-cup-opener-20131023-2w1y9.html#ixzz2iaYMnhjv
