Walters gives selection insight ahead of Kangaroos tour

KANGAROOS coach Kevin Walters has shed light on some of the selection decisions he faces ahead of his first tour as national team coach.

Appointed to the role in July, the former Brisbane Broncos player and coach has been keeping a close eye on the NRL to help select the best 22-man squad for the Rugby Ashes against England, which will be contested for the first time in 22 years.

One of the key positions likely to spark debate is who will be chosen as the starting fullback.

At present, the battle for the No. 1 jersey appears to be between Dylan Edwards, James Tedesco and Reece Walsh, with Walters noting the level of competition among the trio and across the league.

“It’s probably the most contested position of all the spots in the 22,” Walters said on SEN’s Saturday League Kick-Off.

“They’ve obviously all had great seasons, you can’t deny that in any way. Dylan Edwards, with his work at the Panthers, which is ongoing.

“James Tedesco has had his best season in a long time, although his level of football is always very high.

“And then you’ve got Reece Walsh. His last six or seven weeks for the Broncos have propelled them into a preliminary final with his work at the No. 1.

“So, we are very blessed. At the moment, I can’t split them; it will be a tough decision in a few weeks’ time on who we actually go with.”

The six-time premiership player has also been impressed by Sydney Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase.

The rugby union convert, who represented the Wallabies before switching to league, finished the regular season as the NRL’s leading try scorer with 24 tries in 23 games, helping the Roosters into the finals after an off-season exodus of experience.

Walters said the 24-year-old’s performances have put him firmly in Kangaroos contention.

“He’s been doing some amazing things, hasn’t he, for the Roosters,” Walters said.

“Particularly the way he is in the air, his aerial skills, but also the way he can finish off tries with different aspects of his game. His skill level is really high, and I feel he’s accelerated in his growth with the Roosters in many ways of the game.

“Even in defence, I’ve seen some big improvements on the wing, but his season has been a very good one for the Roosters and has put himself in contention for selection to go away with the Kangaroos, that’s for sure.”

The Kangaroos’ tour to England will start on October 25 (local time) when they play the first of three Tests against England at Wembley Stadium before heading north for the remaining two.

// BY NICHOLAS QUINLAN/SEN