One New Zealand Warriors prop Mitchell Barnett has earned his Kangaroos Test debut in Friday night’s opening match of the Pacific Championships against Tonga at Suncorp Stadium.
The 30-year-old Simon Mannering Medallist has been named on the interchange bench, marking another significant career moment at the iconic Brisbane venue.
Barnett, who made his impactful State of Origin debut in New South Wales’ series-clinching victory over Queensland in July, will be one of six players making their first Test appearance for Australia. He is expected to face off against his former clubmate and Tonga co-captain Addin Fonua-Blake during the match.
Former Warriors Tuimoala Lolohea, Siliva Havili, and Eliesa Katoa will also feature for Tonga, while the Warriors’ New South Wales Cup coach David Tangata-Toa joins Tonga’s coaching staff.
Barnett, who will become Kangaroo #856, joins fellow debutants Tom Dearden, Mitchell Moses, Zac Lomax, Xavier Coates, and Hudson Young in Australia’s squad. This match marks the third meeting between the Kangaroos and Tonga, but the first on Australian soil. The teams previously clashed in 2018 and 2019, with each side claiming one victory.
