Melbourne Storm have had ten players selected to represent their country in upcoming international matches to be played in October and November 2024.
Following his second Dally M Hooker of the Year Award, Harry Grant has been named vice captain of the Kangaroos and will be joined by Xavier Coates, playing his first game in the green and gold when they kick off the Pacific Championships against the Tongan XIII on Friday 18 October.
Coates is one of eight debutants named in the Kangaroos squad having earned his spot following a strong Origin campaign and incredible season in the purple jersey winning both the NRL and Storm Try of the Year awards.
2024 Cameron Smith Player of the Year and Dally M Medallist, Jahrome Hughes, was named in the NZ Kiwis’ squad with Will Warbrick getting his first chance to represent the Kiwis after spending the last two seasons in camp gaining valuable experience along the journey.
Hughes was hoping to pull on the Kiwi jersey again however under medical advice he has informed Kiwi coach, Stacey Jones, that he would be unavailable for selection.
After a successful visit to his home country in the trial match this season, Tui Kamikamica has been given the honour of captaining Fiji Bati in the championships and Tonga has named Dally M Second-Row Award winner, Eli Katoa, in their squad as they prepare for their first Pacific Championships tournament.
Samoa named Shawn Blore and Lazarus Vaalepu who will both debut for their country when they take on England in a two-match series in November. Sua Fa’alogo was selected but ruled out of contention as he will require post-season surgery on an injured shoulder.
Tepai Moeroa will extend his four-game international career after being named in the Cook Islands squad to play Fiji and PNG in the championships.
Tyran Wishart was delivered further good news at the Storm Player of the Year Awards when it was announced he had been included in the PMs XIII to play the PNG PMs XIII in October.
Storm General Manager Football, Frank Ponissi, said it was a huge honour for players to be selected for national duty.
“Representing your country is something all athletes aspire to achieve and is an incredible honour,” Ponissi said today.
“To have so many of our list called up to play international football is great recognition for the players and for our Club.
“It is great to see our leaders like Harry and Jahrome recognised for their performances this season, although unfortunately Jahrome has been withdrawn due to his neck injury.
“It will be even more special for our four international debutants, Will, Xavier, Blorey and Laz who will make their debut for their country. It will be an experience they will hold on to for the rest of their careers.” Ponissi said.
The Kangaroos play the Tongan XIII at Suncorp Stadium on Friday 18 October in the first match of the Pacific Championships.
Fiji Bati will play the PNG Kumuls on Saturday 19 October while the Kiwis will kick off their campaign against the Kangaroos on Sunday 27 October at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch.
More information about the 2024 Pacific Championships can be found: https://www.nrl.com/tickets/2024-pacific-championships/