Every NRL club’s Kangaroos contenders: Three Bulldogs in line for Test debut on Ashes tour

They may have crashed out of finals, but four Bulldogs stars are in contention for a Kangaroos call up for the Ashes tour. See all the players in line for selection from every NRL club.

Every NRL club’s Kangaroos contender.

Canterbury trio Jacob Kiraz, Jacob Preston and Max King are under consideration to make their Kangaroos debut as Australia starts to narrow down their list of potential Ashes tourists.

Australian staff have been reaching out to clubs to discuss the fitness of those in the mix.

It is understood that the uncapped trio, alongside utility back Matt Burton, are among the four Canterbury players in contention.

King made his NSW Origin debut this year while Kiraz and Preston are yet to play representative football.

Kiraz would have gone close to securing a green and gold jumper last season but was ruled out because of a back injury.

Preston was among Canterbury’s most consistent players this season and could sneak into the 22-man squad while Burton is expected to be picked given his utility value.

Liam Martin’s likely unavailability because of the impending birth of his first child has helped catapult Preston into the mix.

Burton played three games off the bench for Australia in their successful Pacific Championship campaign.

New Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters will finalise his squad after next Sunday’s grand final decider.

The most contentious spots include;

• James Tedesco back in the frame for a Kangaroos recall. He is battling with Reece Walsh and incumbent Dylan Edwards for two positions in the squad.

• NSW hooker Reece Robson facing an uphill battle with Harry Grant and would-be debutant Blayke Brailey emerging as potential spots.

• Despite indicating he will return to rugby at the end of next year, winger Mark Nawaqanitawase is on the verge of becoming a dual international.

Jacob Kiraz could find himself on the plane to the UK. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

• Other potential Australian debutants include Keaon Koloamatangi and Jacob Saifiti.

• Injuries to centres Latrell Mitchell, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Tom Trbojevic has thrown that spot wide open with his Brisbane teammate, Gehamat Shibasaki, Melbourne centre Jack Howarth and Newcastle’s Bradman Best being discussed.

The Kangaroos will be sweating on Broncos ace Kotoni Staggs putting his hand up to represent Australia instead of Tonga to lock down one centre spot.

Originally published as Every NRL club’s Kangaroos contenders: Three Bulldogs in line for Test debut on Ashes tour