Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has made significant changes to the team, making headlines by dropping incumbent Australian captain James Tedesco. This marks the first time Tedesco has been omitted since his debut in 2018. In a surprising move, State of Origin captains Jake Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans have also been left out of the squad. Penrith's Isaah Yeo has been appointed as the new captain for the upcoming Pacific Championship Tests. In a parallel development, the Jillaroos have also seen a notable exclusion, with Dally M winner Olivia Kernick not being selected for the women's Test squad. Kernick, who plays as a second-rower for the Sydney Roosters, recently won her first Dally M Medal and was instrumental in her team's thrilling 32-28 grand-final victory over Cronulla.