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Wednesday, November 9, 2011

League: Kangaroos return for Four Nations assault

Australia's preparations for their Four Nations campaign will continue in Manchester on Thursday after the players reconvened following a short break.

Coach Tim Sheens rewarded his players with three-days off after they booked their spot in the final with a 36-20 win over England at Wembley last Saturday.

Most of the squad flew to Berlin with the remainder heading to Barcelona, while some stayed in London.

The team re-assembled at their hotelon Wednesday, with Sheens to name his side to face Wales on Thursday for the final round-robin clash of the tournament in Wrexham on Sunday.

The veteran coach is likely to ring the changes for the clash with the minnows, who have been defeated heavily by both England and Wales in their opening two fixtures.

"I have told every player they will get a game and that is what I intend to do," Sheens said.

Robbie Farah will not be replaced in the squad having returned to Sydney after his mother was diagnosed with a serious illness.

Cooper Cronk will act as the back-up hooker to Cameron Smith, who will lead the team against the Welsh with skipper Darren Lockyer being rested for the final, which will be the final game of a glittering 17-year career.

Manly's rookie of the year Daly Cherry-Evans will win his first international cap against the Welsh, as will Corey Parker and Beau Scott, with Jharal Yow-Yeh and Josh Morris to make their first appearances of the tournament.

Billy Slater has remained with the squad after surgery to repair his broken collarbone and Tony Williams is unavailable as he serves a one-match ban for his high-shot on England's Ben Westwood.

Australia will play either England or New Zealand in the final at Elland Road on November 19.

The two sides go head to head in Hull on Saturday, with the hosts sweating on the fitness of key forwards Gareth Ellis, James Graham and skipper Jamie Peacock.

New Zealand will be without prop Sam McKendry, who is out with a broken jaw.

 


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