NRL 2023: Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga adds Kalyn Ponga and Bradman Best to squad

Kalyn Ponga is one step closer to making his Kangaroos debut though his injured shoulder may yet rule him out of contention.

Dylan Edwards could play in the centres for Australia. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Kalyn Ponga is closing in on his Test debut after being included in the Kangaroos train-on squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations tournament.

This masthead understands that Ponga and Bradman Best have been added to an extended Australian squad by coach Mal Meninga.

Ponga carried a shoulder problem through the latter stages of the season but Knights officials are happy for Ponga to remain in contention for the national team, with a final decision on his availability to be left until they find out whether he makes the final cut.

Kalyn Ponga has been added to the Kangaroos train-on squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations tournament. Picture: NRL Photos

Newcastle head of football Peter Parr confirmed Ponga would not require surgery and the club was optimistic he would be fit to play given he has a fortnight to work on his shoulder before the final side is named.

“We haven’t ruled him out of playing for Australia,” Parr said.

“The first game is still four weeks away so we would anticipate right at the moment that he would be fit for that.

“If he makes the final cut, we will make the final decision then.”

Meninga has already confirmed that Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco will be in the Australian squad but Ponga’s versatility – he can play in the halves and potentially the centres – could be enough to help him make the final cut.

MAL MULLS SURPRISE POSITION SWITCH FOR EDWARDS

Australian coach Mal Meninga says he is considering parachuting Penrith star Dylan Edwards into the centre role as he looks to fill the void left by a host of unavailable superstars.

The Kangaroos are on the lookout for a new centre pairing with the likes of Latrell Mitchell, Campbell Graham, Jack Wighton, Tom Trbojevic unavailable and uncertainty surrounding Valentine Holmes’ eligibility.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Bradman Best have emerged as potential Test debutants for the end of season Test series against New Zealand and Samoa.

However, Meninga revealed that Edwards is in the mix for a surprise positional switch. It follows the success the likes of full-time club fullbacks Trbojevic and Mitchell have had adjusting to the centre spot at representative level.

Dylan Edwards could shift into the centres to make his Kangaroos debut. Picture: Getty Images

“We need to talk about it absolutely,” Meninga said after he mentioned a potential switch for Edwards. “We have some very wise selectors and I will talk to the coach (Ivan Cleary) when it’s appropriate.

“It’s quite conceivable that those sort of players we could manufacture into different positions. We still have Hammer (Tabuai-Fidow) and Murray (Taulagi). Bradman Best who did really well for NSW and we are waiting on where Val is at.

“I’m not too concerned (about the players who are out). What I’m worried about is about picking players who are passionate about playing for the green and gold. I don’t care where they play.”

Australia are suffering from a centre injury crisis, with Latrell Mitchell ruled out with a finger injury. Picture: AAP

Meninga will struggle to fit the likes of Edwards and fellow in-form fullbacks Kalyn Ponga and Reece Walsh into a 20-man squad.

He has already indicated that skipper James Tedesco will not be shifted away from his fullback spot.

“I could see Kalyn, Reece and certainly Dylan Edwards playing in the centres,” Meninga said. “There’s no doubt about that. We have used so many converts from fullback to centre.

“Their fitness will be excellent.”

A host of Kangaroos hopefuls will enter camp this week as part of the PM’s XIII side to plan PNG on Saturday.

Tabuai-Fidow, Taulagi and Zac Lomax are part of that squad.

KANGAROOS’ CENTRE CRISIS

OUT: Latrell Mitchell, Campbell Graham, Jack Wighton, Tom Trbojevic

OPTIONS: Valentine Holmes, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Bradman Best, Dane Gagai, Dylan Edwards

UNLIKELY: Stephen Crichton (Samoa), Kotoni Staggs (Tonga)