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Fletcher's shock Kangaroos selection after Trbojevic's Ashes withdrawal
Sam Kosack • September 11th, 2025 8:43 pm
Kevin Walters is facing a centre crisis for Australia’s end-of-season Ashes tour after Tom Trbojevic withdrew from contention.
Trbojevic was reportedly eager to go on the trip, however, has pulled out with a knee injury that requires significant rest to be fully healed for the 2026 season.
It leaves Walters in a conundrum with a number of leading contenders becoming unavailable, either through injury or by opting to represent other nations.
Trbojevic represented Australia in the centres during last year’s Pacific Championships with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who is also out after suffering a Grade 3 MCL injury during the Dolphins’ final round game.
Latrell Mitchell and Valentine Holmes have also withdrawn with injury, while Origin centres Stephen Crichton and Rob Toia have chosen to represent Samoa and Tonga respectively.
Kotoni Staggs looms as another option but is weighing up whether to represent Australia or Tonga.
In light of limited options, SEN’s Bryan Fletcher believes a Raiders’ rookie is the answer to Australia’s depth woes.
“I think he would be a fantastic centre, Ethan Strange,” Fletcher offered on SEN 1170 Drive.
“I know it's a big call, I know he’s been playing six but I feel, with everyone choosing their own heritage, I feel you throw this kid a rep jumper, he’s not going to let anyone down.
“I feel that he would thrive on having that.”
Ethan Strange represented the under 19 Blues at centre, scoring a hat-trick in the contest last season.
The Raiders’ five-eighth has enjoyed a breakout 2025, scoring 13 tries and having 12 try assists on Canberra’s way to their first minor premiership in 35 years.
However, suggesting Strange prompted Fletcher to reflect on the state of international eligibility, recommending a review into the process.
“I bet you we end up changing the rules about this because at the moment it's great for the international game, but we're seeing (the effects) now,” Fletcher said..
“We can't even come up with centres.
“We’re playing a five-eighth, a 21-year-old five-eighth (at centre).”
Other options for the position include Matt Burton, Jacob Kiraz, Mark Nawaqanitawase, or Zac Lomax, all of whom would be playing different positions to where they line up in the NRL. Gehamat Shibasaki looms as another option.
