Nathan Cleary set for Australia debut while Ryan Brierley ruled out with injury
Photo: Paul Currie/SWpix
Penrith’s Grand Final winning captain Nathan Cleary is set to make his Australia debut this Friday against Scotland in the World Cup, while Ryan Brierley will miss the clash.
Back-to-back NRL winner Cleary replaces Manly skipper Daly Cherry-Evans as one of seven changes made by coach Mal Meninga.
Australia claimed a 42-8 victory over Fiji in their opening Group B fixture and will play at Coventry Building Society Arena against the Bravehearts.
Cleary, 24, will win his first cap along with his club team-mates Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin. South Sydney Rabbitohs centre Campbell Graham, who was in line to play for Scotland until his late call up by Meninga, is also set to make his debut.
Canterbury Bulldogs playmaker Matt Burton will make his debut in the centres. Sydney Roosters prop Lindsay Collins will also pull on a Kangaroos jersey for the first time, named on the bench.
Ryan Brierley ruled out with elbow injury
Scotland will be without key full-back Ryan Brierley for Friday’s match against the tournament’s favourites.
Brierley is ruled out with a slight elbow strain sustained in the Bravehearts’ opening 28-4 defeat by Italy in Newcastle.
London Broncos full-back Alex Walker could be a direct replacement. But coach Nathan Graham has also added Dewsbury winger Davey Dixon and York forward Jack Teanby to the 17 players on duty against Italy.
More World Cup content
Luke Keary: Representing Ireland one of my proudest moments
Uncertainty around Adam Doueihi’s red card as Lebanon coach takes confidence from defeat
Scotland coach Nathan Graham confident they can bounce back for Australia test
FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app and podcast