In bad news for the Kangaroos, they will head into their Rugby League World Cup final against New Zealand on Sunday evening without Souths star Latrell Mitchell.
Mitchell — who was set to start on the bench — missed the team’s captain’s run at Suncorp Stadium and it has since been confirmed he is out of action due to illness and James Tedesco will take his place.
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Reece Walsh will start at fullback and Pat Carrigan has also been listed to start, but he may swap with Keaon Koloamatangi, a tactic that was used last week.
Coach Kevin Walters had been hoping to use Mitchell as an impact option from the bench.
Mitchell had been underwhelming against New Zealand in Australia’s opener when he started, and was subsequently dropped for the games against Fiji, Cook Islands and Samoa.
But ahead of the World Cup semi-final against Samoa, Walters called Mitchell a match-winner.
“Well, he (Mitchell) is a match-winner, isn’t he?” the Kangaroos coach said.
“He’s got the big plays in him, very experienced player as well in the big game.
“I felt it was imperative that we put him at least on the bench.
“There may be a time in the game where we can get him in there, and he can do his stuff.”
Meanwhile, New Zealand have received a boost with Rooster’s premiership hero Naufahu Whyte (ankle) and star playmaker Kodi Nikorima (leg) both named.
“We obviously wrapped him in cotton wool earlier in the week but he has come through fine,” coach Stacey Jones said.
“We are very excited about the team we have put together.”
Gun winger Ronaldo Mulitalo also returns for the Kiwis after a one-game ban for a high shot on Fiji’s Ronald Philitoga.
With Mulitalo back, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad returns to the bench and Keano Kini is out of the 19.
Men’s final: Australia v New Zealand
Sydney and Melbourne 6.45pm live on Seven and 7plus
Brisbane 5.45pm live on 7mate and 7plus, 6.10pm live on Seven and 7plus
Adelaide 6.15pm live on 7mate and 7plus, 6.40pm live on Seven and 7plus
Perth 3.45pm live on Seven and 7plus
