Josh Dugan, Tyson Frizell recalled for Kangaroos’ Four Nations clash with England

KANGAROOS coach Mal Meninga has finally settled on his top team with Dragons duo Josh Dugan and Tyson Frizell earning recalls for the final pool game against England.

Tyson Frizell has been recalled to the Kangaroos’ squad for the showdown with England in London.

KANGAROOS coach Mal Meninga has finally settled on his top team with St George Illawarra duo Josh Dugan and Tyson Frizell earning recalls.

Meninga has tinkered with his squad throughout the Four Nations campaign, but looks to have settled on his full-strength team to play England. Kangaroos officials were shocked by Sam Thaiday’s ability to feature in part of the team’s training yesterday, with Thaiday now pushing to return to play England in London on Monday morning.

Canberra enforcer Shannon Boyd is on standby for Thaiday, after Meninga said it was a “bonus” the veteran had trained.

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Josh Dugan got the nod in the team ahead of Cowboy Justin O’Neill

“I’m pretty happy with the squad,” Meninga said. “Anything can happen in the next week. All the emus (the non-playing members) have trained really well. At this stage this is what we do think (is our strongest team) if we get into the final.”

Dugan has edged out Justin O’Neill for the right centre spot while Frizell’s impressive season continues, overtaking Boyd for a bench berth.

“(Dugan) is the incumbent,” Meninga said. “He has played three Test matches for us on the right side alongside Ferguson. He deserves to be there and has played really well. We rested him last week to give Justin an opportunity.

Tyson Frizell was named in the team ahead of Raiders enforcer Shannon Boyd

“Tyson played in Perth. He has fitted in really well with the team. He gives good balance to our footy team. He can play edge or middle. He is powerful and adds a lot to our bench.”

The Kangaroos travel to London today to complete their preparations for the clash against the Wayne Bennett-coached England side in the final Four Nations pool game.

KANGAROOS TEAM:

Darius Boyd, Valentine Holmes, Josh Dugan, Greg Inglis, Blake Ferguson, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Matt Scott, Cameron Smith, Aaron Woods, Boyd Cordner, Matt Gillett, Trent Merrin.

Interchange (from): David Klemmer, Michael Morgan, Tyson Frizell, Sam Thaiday, Shannon Boyd, Justin O’Neill.