NRL 2024: Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga names six debutants for the Pacific Championships opener against Tonga

Mal Meninga will unveil six debutants to face Tonga in a new-look Kangaroos team, headlined by two rival Origin playmakers set to start together in the halves. See the full line-up and analysis.

Mitchell Moses is set to sign off on arguably the biggest week of his career by making his Test debut alongside Origin playmaking rival Tom Dearden on Friday night.

Moses will be one of six debutants in coach Mal Meninga’s side for the opening game of the Pacific Championships at Suncorp Stadium, pulling on the green and gold for the first time only days after he and partner Bri welcomed their second child into the world.

Moses broke Kangaroos camp to be by Bri’s side in Sydney on Monday night for the birth before flying back to Brisbane on Tuesday morning to rejoin the Roos as they prepare to face Tonga in the tournament opener,

The Eels playmaker hasn’t played since rupturing his bicep in the final game of the State of Origin series in July but regained his fitness in time to be available for Australia and will be one of six debutants on Friday night.

Dearden will debut in the halves and Storm flyer Xavier Coates on the wing alongside Blues leaper Zac Lomax (Dragons), fiery forward Mitch Barnett (Warriors) and Canberra back rower Hudson Young, who will come off the bench.

Mitchell Moses hasn’t played since State of Origin game three. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

Tom Dearden has been excellent for the Cowboys this season. Picture: NRL Imagery

Among the fresh faces will be Origin foes Dearden and Moses – who will join forces following injuries to first-choice halves Nathan Cleary (shoulder) and Cameron Munster (groin).

Queensland five-eighth Dearden and Blues halfback Moses went toe-to-toe in this year’s State of Origin series but they will put their differences aside for the green and gold.

Moses has already had a week to celebrate but Meninga has put his faith in the Eels talisman to now get the job done for his country in the Test arena.

“Mitch has been sensational,” he said.

“He hasn’t played a lot of footy this year, but all the games he’s played he’s been up there with the best players.

“He got man of the match in game two coming off such a big break into Origin. He’s taken control of this footy team which we’re really happy about. His man management skills are fantastic.

“Congratulations to him and his wife – they just had a baby yesterday. He’s going through a really happy time at the moment.”

Mal Meninga is unleashing a fresh halves combination for the Kangaroos in Moses and Dearden. Picture: NRL Imagery

Dearden, 23, has become one of the game’s premier playmakers in recent years after resurrecting his career at the Cowboys following a turbulent three years in Brisbane.

He will cap the best season of his career with a Kangaroos debut on Queensland soil.

“Tommy’s had a terrific year and was probably the player of the series for Queensland,” Meninga said.

Mal Meninga watches Mitchell Moses go through his paces at Kangaroos training. Picture: NRL Imagery

“He’s taken over the leadership role at the Cowboys along with Reuben (Cotter) and I’m really pleased we can give him an opportunity.

“It’s a growth period for most young people coming through the game. They’ve got to find their feet. Tommy had an opportunity early and you learn from these experiences.

“There’s a lot of pressure out there, particularly in the position he plays. He’s found his feet up there (at the Cowboys) and found a home.

“He’s born up there and went to school in Mackay so he feels like he’s part of the furniture and played accordingly.

“It was great faith by Todd (Payten, Cowboys coach) and the leadership group to make him co-captain.

“He is excelling at the moment and can only get better as a player and person.”

Zac Lomax is among the debutants. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

Xavier Coates is another debutant on the opposite flank. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

The Kangaroos ramped up their preparations with an intense opposed session against the Sunshine Coast Falcons on Tuesday morning as they prepare to face Tonga for the first time since a shock loss in 2019.

Meninga has opted for Canterbury’s Matt Burton as his interchange utility over Ben Hunt, admitting concerns around Tom Trbojevic’s shoulder prompted the decision.

“It was difficult,” he said of omitting Hunt.

“Tommy Turbo hasn’t played for a while so it’s precautionary around his shoulder.

“He’s having no problems at the moment but we’re making sure if anyone goes down out wide (we’ve got cover).”

Originally published as NRL 2024: Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga names six debutants for the Pacific Championships opener against Tonga