Selwyn Cobbo and Dylan Edwards in brutal Kangaroos selection drama after triumph
The duo could be fighting for their sport with the return of Valentine Holmes.
Either debutant Selwyn Cobbo or Dylan Edwards could be facing the brutal reality of being dropped for Valentine Holmes, despite the Kangaroos impressing in a 38-12 thrashing of Samoa. Cobbo made his debut alongside Broncos teammate Katoni Staggs and Queensland teammate Hamiso Tibuai Fidow.
And coach Mal Meninga was full of praise for his new centre pairing against Samoa. Both Staggs and The Hammer crossed the line for a try each. "Hamiso and Kotoni were really good in the centres," Meninga said.
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"We saw Hammer in space with the footy and it's 'see you later'. He's an excitement machine and good for our game. Kotoni had a great debut as well."
However, Meninga didn't confirm Cobbo would keep his spot when asked about if there would be any selection changes for the match against New Zealand. Holmes missed the first game through suspension and many believe Cobbo is the in-form winger. However, Meninga attempted to bat away questions regarding Holmes' return.
Holmes is a centre, but has played 14 times on the wing for the Kangaroos throughout his career. When pushed on if there would be any changes, Menginga said: "We'll make those decisions beyond today."
He also confirmed the current backline has given him something to think about. Dylan Edwards made his debut on the wing for Australia and received praise for his work rate. On Fox Sports commentary, Penrith great Greg Alexander described Staggs as the 'busiest player' for Australia.
Staggs scored a try, kicked five goals, made two line breaks and ran for a game-high 180 metres. The Hammer scored two tries and was rock solid in defence. Edwards could be considered a possible chance to be replaced with Meninga praising the new centre pairing after the game.
However, Queensland great Corey Parker suggested Cobbo could be the man to make way for Holmes if Meninga opts for a change. “If you look at the performances we saw tonight, it’s not ‘Hammer’ (that makes way), it’s not Kotoni Staggs and I thought Dylan Edwards was busy out on the wing,” Parker admitted.
“If you have to pull it apart I think young Cobbo might be under a little bit of pressure. If you’re looking to put Valentine back into that backline it might be Cobbo that’s set aside.”
Kangaroos impress against a young Samoan side
The Samoans' early display failed to match the pre-game scenes as a powerhouse showing from Kangaroos props Payne Haas and Tino Fa'asumaleaui laid the platform for a blistering Kangaroos start.
Both big men crossed for tries other side of an easy four-pointer to skipper James Tedesco, with Cameron Murray adding another after 15 minutes as the Aussies were scoring at more than a point-a-minute.
Samoa finally came to life after a try to former Kangaroos star Murray Taulagi, who was quickest to pounce on a deft kick by second-rower Leilua. The visitors had their chances to get back into the match but Kangaroos debutant Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow put an end to that when he raced 80 metres on the cusp of halftime for a 28-6 lead.
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