Dogs flyer rockets into Test contention in extended Kangaroos squad

A Bulldogs flyer has reportedly been named in the extended Kangaroos squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships.

Connor Watson, Jacob Kiraz and Tom Dearden

Jacob Kiraz has reportedly been named in the extended Kangaroos squad, with coach Mal Meninga having informed 31 players they are in contention to be picked for Australia.

That is according to The Daily Telegraph, who are reporting Kiraz has emerged as a contender to make his Test debut for Australia, having previously played for Lebanon.

NRL clubs were reportedly notified which of their players could be in line for selection this week, with the broader squad set to be cut down before the Kangaroos’ first Test against Tonga.

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No Sharks, Titans or Tigers players have reportedly been included in the preliminary squad, while a host of stars could be set to make their debuts.

Alongside Kiraz, Connor Watson, Xavier Coates, Zac Lomax, Tom Dearden, Mitch Barnett and Mitchell Moses are all reportedly in the frame to play for the Kangaroos.

Connor Watson, Jacob Kiraz and Tom Dearden.

Nathan Cleary, Jeremiah Nanai and Cameron Munster have all been included in the 31-player group, however it remains to be seen whether they will undergo post-season surgeries.

Meanwhile, Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga will also be removed after pulling himself out of selection contention, which has since been met with widespread criticism.

The Panthers have four players included in the squad, alongside the Roosters with the same amount and the Storm with three representatives.

Australia took a 21 man squad to the Pacific Championships last year, having gone down to New Zealand in a 30-0 rout.

AUSTRALIA’S EXTENDED SQUAD

Storm: Cameron Munster, Xavier Coates, Harry Grant

Panthers: Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin

Roosters: James Tedesco, Connor Watson, Angus Crichton, Lindsay Collins

Cowboys: Reece Robson, Reuben Cotter, Tom Dearden, Jeremiah Nanai

Bulldogs: Jacob Kiraz, Matt Burton

Sea Eagles: Daly Cherry-Evans, Tom Trbojevic, Jake Trbojevic

Knights: Bradman Best, Kalyn Ponga (ruled himself out).

Raiders: Hudson Young

Dolphins: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

Dragons: Ben Hunt, Zac Lomax

Broncos: Kotoni Staggs, Pat Carrigan

Warriors: Mitch Barnett

Eels: Mitch Moses

Rabbitohs: Cam Murray.

Sharks, Titans, Tigers: No players

Originally published as Dogs flyer rockets into Test contention in extended Kangaroos squad