Mal Meninga fires back at Jason Taumalolo claim amid Tom Trbojevic truth for Kangaroos Test

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has returned serve to Jason Taumalolo after the Tonga captain insisted his side wasn't intimidated by the powerhouse Aussies, ahead of Friday night's Pacific Championships Test. Meninga has welcomed the challenge from the Tongans - who famously beat the Kangaroos the last time the two nations squared off in 2019 - with Taumalolo keen to lead his underdogs to another famous win over Australia at Suncorp Stadium.

The Aussies have not lost consecutive Tests against the same nation since 2014-15 when they lost three straight to New Zealand, prompting Tim Sheens to be sacked as coach. Meninga has picked a new-look side that includes six debutants for the Tonga Test and Taumalolo brushed off suggestions the Kangaroos posed a fear factor for his side.

"Not really to be honest," Taumalolo told reporters on Tuesday. "They've got a great team, but so do we. Oppositions, not just Australia but the other nations, have definitely improved over the last few years, and it makes for a better game of footy." Meninga has named a vastly different side from the one that was belted 30-0 by New Zealand in last year's Pacific Championships final.

Xavier Coates and Zac Lomax form a new-look wing combination, while Tom Dearden and Mitch Moses are both debuting in a fresh halves pairing for the Kangaroos. Hudson Young and Mitch Barnett will come off the bench as the other debutants, while Matt Burton has been picked ahead of Ben Hunt as the bench utility. And although Taumalolo is confident in Tonga's chances, he stopped short of describing the Kangaroos as "vulnerable", despite the fact they're missing a number of superstars such as Nathan Cleary, Cameron Munster and Kalyn Ponga.

“I wouldn’t say they’re vulnerable,” he said. They’ve got a star-studded team and we know what we’re in for. They are all Origin players and great rep players so it’s always going to be a tough game. They’re always going to turn up. They’ve got a few debutants who will be excited to play and we’ve got a few too. It’s the first time Tonga’s played Australia in a while and we’re looking forward to seeing a good crowd.”

Meninga was quick to hit back at the claims from Taumalolo and insisted his Aussie side also held no fears about suffering another shock defeat to the Tongans. "We don't fear them either," he said. "It's a battle for international status ... it's been a long time (since 2019) and we're coming ready to play."

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Mal Meninga's admission about Tom Trbojevic in bench call

The Kangaroos coach also revealed the reason for picking Burton on the bench instead of Hunt was due to concerns over the fitness of centre, Tom Trbojevic. The Manly superstar was battling shoulder and knee issues during the NRL finals series and his inclusion in the Kangaroos side took many fans by surprise. And Meninga admits Burton offers him better coverage for 'Turbo' than if he picked Hunt as the utility.

"It was difficult no doubt, but Tommy (Trbojevic) hasn't played for a bit, in the centres either, it was a bit precautionary around his shoulder," Meninga said of his call. "He's (Trbojevic) having no problems at the moment, but we're making sure that if anyone goes down ... we've got so much versatility in the squad (but) felt we needed outside back coverage."

No Hunt means Harry Grant will likely play 80 minutes at hooker after rotating with the Dragons skipper in the past - for Australia and the Maroons. Meninga is clearly looking for more X-factor off his bench, with Burton and Young offering the Kangaroos plenty of alternative attacking options, to complement the punch up front from workhorse interchange forwards Barnett and Cotter.

Kangaroos squad (1-17):

Dylan Edwards, Xavier Coates, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Tom Trbojevic, Zac Lomax, Tom Dearden, Mitch Moses, Patrick Carrigan, Harry Grant, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Cam Murray, Isaah Yeo, Matt Burton, Mitch Barnett, Reuben Cotter, Hudson Young.

Tonga squad (1-17):

Lehi Hopoate, Daniel Tupou, Moses Suli, Paul Alamoti, Sione Katoa, Tuimoala Lolohea, Isaiya Katoa, Addin Fonua-Blake, Siliva Havili, Felise Kaufusi, Haumole Olakau'atu, Eliesa Katoa, Jason Taumalolo, Soni Luke, Sitili Tupouniua, Taniela Paseka, Keaon Koloamatangi.

with AAP