Australia Kangaroos

Kangaroos take match 34-18

Australia shocked a well-set PNG side with its first three tries, all in the first 20 minutes of play.

What was more shocking was the sudden rush of spectators jumping over the stadium barriers and onto the field.

Reports came in later, saying the stadium flood lights at the West end was toppling over, causing spectators to run onto the field.

Yet this minor disturbance did not disturb the flow of defense and attack of the Australians.

PNG also got back right on it, and just before the half time whistle, put on the scoreboard its first 6 points.

Holmes signs new Sharks deal

The fullback, who made his Kangaroos debut last year, debuted for the Sharks as an 18-year-old in 2014 and has scored 38 tries in 57 games for the club.

"It's very exciting and good I was able to get it done before the start of the season," Holmes said.

"We're trying to keep the same team that won the premiership together, it's a great bunch of guys, there are some good young blokes coming through and I'm really happy with the way we are going.

"As for playing fullback, I can't wait to play there."

Meninga defends resting Cronk

The former Queensland mentor has opted to rest star halfback Cronk for the up and coming Four Nations clash with New Zealand for player welfare reasons.

Meninga said he wanted to spread each player's game time evenly.

"It's not about being disrespectful," Meninga said.

"We've got 24 great players who all deserve to play. It's about resting Coop. He's had a big year, played every game, played the grand final.

"It's more about respecting the players I have internally here. I've got 24 great players so we want to respect that more so than what do externally."

Rookies to bring new edge to Kangaroos

Holmes, Boyd and Frizell on Friday were named to make their Australian debuts in Saturday's international against New Zealand at Perth's nib Stadium.

The selections continue a transformation of the Australian team under Meninga after his choice of four debutants in May for his first Test in charge of the Kangaroos.

"Shannon, Tyson and Valentine have all added a new dimension to our team with their enthusiasm and excitement," Meninga said on Friday.

"We have a big Kiwis pack, we will be out to match that and big Boydy is a big part of that.

Mead could miss PM's XIII game

With the PM's XIII team one of the strongest in recent memory and to be captained by Greg Inglis, Papua New Guinea officials named Mead and fellow NRL stars Nene Macdonald, Ray Thompson, Bulldogs-bound Rhyse Martin and Storm signing Justin Olam in a team that is dominated by members of the PNG Hunters team that competes in Queensland's Intrust Super Cup.

Kangaroos v Kiwis: Schick Preview

New Australian coach Mal Meninga has largely stuck with the tried and true with just a handful of notable exceptions while Kearney's squad has seen a major overhaul from the previous outing.

Much has been made of the unavailable players – three Warriors (Manu Vatuvei, Ben Matulino and Bodene Thompson) have been excluded with regular rake Issac Luke not picked on form, five-eighth Kieran Foran on personal leave and star fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck heading a huge injury list that also includes Simon Mannering, Peta Hiku, Dean Whare, Tui Lolohea, Sio Siua Taukeiaho and more.