Mal Meninga names new-look Kangaroos side for their clash with Scotland

Mark Molyneux

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Mal Meninga names new-look Kangaroos side for their clash with Scotland image

Australian coach Mal Meninga has stuck true to his word of giving every player in his squad an opportunity to play at the Rugby League World Cup, by naming a new-look outfit for their second group game against Scotland. 

James Tedesco once again leads the side at fullback, while Josh Addo-Carr is maintained on the wing and Cam Munster starts in the halves. However, from there mass changes have been made to the team which battered Fiji 42-8 in their opening match. 

Nathan Cleary set to start in the halves while Harry Grant is rewarded for his sparkling display 

Nathan Cleary headlines the list of additions, with the halfback bumping former captain Daly Cherry-Evans to 18th man. 

"That will be the toughest decision,” Meninga admitted, when talking about how he would eventually have to settle on his preferred halfback. 

"At some stage on this tour, I have to tell someone that they are in and someone that they are out, unfortunately.

"Nathan has obviously had a great year from a club point of view and with Chez, his club has struggled but his Origin form was fantastic, and he led the Queenslanders to success. 

"They are both very good around the team, they have great knowledge and great communication skills so I will leave it to the last moment.”

Cleary will be making his Australian debut alongside Penrith teammates Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin, who were rested from the first match against the Bati.

Former Panthers star Matt Burton will also make his Test debut in the centres, with Jack Wighton promoted from the bench to start in the other slot. 

Meninga has decided to switch his rotation at hooker too, with Harry Grant moving off the interchange and into the starting 13.

MORE: 'Unbelievable' cameo from Kangaroos star as he pushes for selection in the starting side 

Ben Hunt goes back to the pine, where he will be joined by the sixth debutant in Lindsay Collins and fellow experienced campaigners Jake Trbojevic and Valentine Holmes. 

Reagan Campell-Gillard will start up front and be joined by Patrick Carrigan, who gets his first start as a Kangaroo after coming off the bench last weekend. 

The likes of Cameron Murray, Latrell Mitchell, Jeremiah Nanai and Reuben Cotter all drop out of the squad. 

Kangaroos line-up to take on Scotland

1. James Tedesco

9. Josh Addo-Carr

12. Matt Burton

10. Jack Wighton

19. Campbell Graham

7. Cameron Munster

14. Nathan Cleary

6. Reagan Campbell-Gillard

20. Harry Grant

13. Patrick Carrigan

17. Angus Crichton

21. Liam Martin

24. Isaah Yeo

Interchange:

3. Ben Hunt

15. Lindsay Collins 

4. Valentine Holmes

5. Jake Trbojevic 

Mark Molyneux

Mark Molyneux Photo

Mark Molyneux is a freelance writer covering the NRL and UFC for Sporting News Australia. He has previously worked in the music industry and as a teacher around the world.