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Big names left out of Kangaroos’ Four Nations squad

Andrew Fifita

Andrew Fifita Photo: Getty

Cronulla Sharks match-winner Andrew Fifita, as well as Parramatta’s Semi Radradra have been left out of the Kangaroos’ Four Nations squad.

Fresh from scoring the match-winning try in the Sharks’ drought-breaking NRL grand final triumph, Fifita has been omitted from the Australian squad by national selectors.

Fifita remains the subject of the NRL integrity unit’s investigation over his support of one-punch killer Kieran Loveridge.

“We believe to wear the Australian jersey, you should have to distinguish yourself both on and off the field,” NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said.

“Our determination is to build a culture in the Kangaroos which every Australian can be proud of.

“I hope players realise that misbehaviour can in future lead to them missing out on their dream of playing for their country.”

Radradra has also been left out due to off-field behaviour issues after he pleaded not guilty to domestic violence charges in July.

Coach Mel Meninga says he supports the decisions, saying it draws a line in the sand in terms of player behaviour.

Meninga has also decided to end the representative careers of Corey Parker and Cronulla captain Paul Gallen.

Gallen and Parker have been denied the chance of swansongs in Australian colours, with Meninga admitting it was a difficult decision to drop the experienced pair.

“They’ve been great servants to the green and gold jersey but we move on and look to the future,” Meninga said.

Semi Radradra landed into a storm on Friday. Photo: AAP.

Semi Radradra has also missed out on selection. Photo: AAP.

In their place, seven debutants step forward in the shape of Jake Friend, Shannon Boyd, Tyson Frizell, Valentine Holmes, James Maloney, Matt Moylan and Justin O’Neill.

Cameron Smith will captain the Australian side.

Meanwhile, Canberra winger Jordan Rapana is one of five rookies in New Zealand squad.

Rapana scored 23 tries for the Raiders this season and has been joined by team-mate Joseph Tapine, Warriors duo David Fusitu’a and Solomone Kata, and Penrith’s Te Maire Martin.

Australia plays New Zealand on October 15 in Perth before it flies off to the United Kingdom to defend its Four Nations title.

Kangaroos squad

Cameron Smith (c), Darius Boyd, Shannon Boyd, Boyd Cordner, Cooper Cronk, Josh Dugan, Blake Ferguson, Jake Friend, Tyson Frizell, Matt Gillett, Valentine Holmes, Greg Inglis, David Klemmer, James Maloney, Josh Mansour, Trent Merrin, Michael Morgan, Matt Moylan, Justin O’Neill, Josh Papalii, Matt Scott, Sam Thaiday, Johnathan Thurston, Aaron Woods

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