Harry Grant will lead the Australian Kangaroos for the first time in Saturday’s Second Ashes Test against England at Liverpool’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, with regular skipper Isaah Yeo ruled out under concussion protocols.
The Melbourne Storm hooker takes over the captaincy role as the Kangaroos look to seal the series following their dominant 26-6 win in the opening Test at Wembley, which attracted a record crowd of 60,812 fans — the largest ever for an Ashes Rugby League Test in the UK.
👉 Match Report: Australia lead Ashes series after dominating England
Head Coach Kevin Walters praised both Yeo and Grant for their leadership throughout the tour.
“Harry and all of the senior players stepped up after Isaah’s unfortunate injury last week,” Walters said.
“While we’d love to have Isaah out there, he’ll still be contributing in many other ways around the group. He’s a natural leader, and so too is Harry, so we’re in great hands this week.”
Penrith forward Lindsay Smith comes into the 17 to replace his Panthers teammate Yeo. It will be Smith’s second Test appearance after making his debut in last year’s Pacific Championships final.
Four new Kangaroos debuted in the opening Test — Mark Nawaqanitawase, Gehamat Shibasaki, Reece Walsh and Keaon Koloamatangi — as Australia began their Ashes campaign in style.
Kangaroos Team – Second Ashes Test
1. Reece Walsh, 2. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Gehamat Shibasaki, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Lindsay Collins, 9. Harry Grant (c), 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Hudson Young, 13. Patrick Carrigan. Interchange: 14. Tom Dearden, 15. Lindsay Smith, 16. Reuben Cotter, 17. Keaon Koloamatangi. Reserves: 18. Bradman Best, 19. Jacob Preston, 20. Mitchell Moses
Australia holds a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and can clinch the Ashes this weekend with another victory over England in Liverpool.
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