Australian coach Kevin Walters has revealed key details around selections and timings for the upcoming Kangaroo Tour to England.
Speaking on the Inside Ball podcast, Walters confirmed that contrary to previous reports Gold Coast Titans enforcer Tino Fa'asuamaleaui was yet to commit to the Kangaroos—and nor has Brisbane Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs.
When pushed for a date on a final decision from all players under consideration, Walters indicated he hoped to know very soon, but explained the hard deadline was driven by timings provided by officials in England.
“We have submit a squad of 30 players to the Rugby Football League by September 30 (next Tuesday), so we’ll know in eight days who is committed to what,” Walters said.
MORE: Manly superstar weighs Super League after poor contract talks
While the timings mean the provisional Kangaroos squad will be chosen before the NRL grand final, the touring side itself won’t be announced until after the premiership decider.
“A squad of 22 will actually go away (to England) and that gets named on the Monday after the grand final,” Walters confirmed.
“In fact two teams will be announced, we’ll also name the 22 players going to the Prime Minister’s XIII against PNG, that game takes place on the Sunday after the grand final (October 12).”
As for touring and training logistics, Walters again provided further clarification.
“We’ll be training that week (post grand final) up on the Sunshine Coast at Twin Waters,” he said.
“After four or five days we’ll fly to PNG for the PM’s XIII match, then come back on the Monday. Then the Kangaroos squad leaves from Sydney on the Wednesday morning (for England).
“It’s getting close, I’m so excited, we’ll be picking a good side to take on the Poms.”
The first test of the three-match Ashes series takes place at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday October 25.