Fresh from helping Cronulla to a historic first premiership earlier this month, Sharks five-eighth James Maloney will make his debut for Australia in the Kangaroos’ Four Nations opener against Scotland.
Australia face Scotland at the KC Lightstream Stadium in Hull on Saturday morning (AEDT), with Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga naming Maloney to start in the No.6 jersey.
St George Illawarra’s Josh Dugan will start for Australia in the centres, with Dragons forward Tyson Frizell named to start in the back row.
It has been an outstanding 12 months for Frizell, who made his State of Origin debut for NSW earlier this season and earned his first Test cap against New Zealand earlier this month.
With Sharks winger Valentine Holmes named as Australia’s 18th man, it’s likely the 21-year-old has forced his way into Meninga’s first team plans following an outstanding debut in the green and gold against New Zealand in Perth.
Dragons centre Euan Aitken will play for Scotland.
Kick-off is at 6am.
England and New Zealand open their tournaments against each other in Huddersfield, with kick-off at 12.30am on Sunday (AEDT).
Dragons winger Jason Nightingale and Sharks centre Gerard Beale are in the New Zealand squad, while St George Illawarra captain Gareth Widdop will be England’s five-eighth.
The final will be played at Anfield in Liverpool on November 21 (AEDT).