There was a time when the Australian forward pack was without peer.

Whether it contained Glenn Lazarus, Petero Civoniceva or Payne Haas, before the latter switched his allegiances to Samoa, no international rival could provide as much grunt up front.

But now? The Kangaroos pack is still an intimidating one, particularly given the presence of big boppers Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Pat Carrigan up front for the first Ashes tour in 22 years. Then there’s Angus Crichton, Hudson Yeo, Isaiah Yeo, Lindsay Collins, Reuben Cotter and Keaon Koloamatangi, all stars in their own right.

But when you consider the big boppers that Pacific Championship rivals New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga can now call upon, there’s every chance Australia won’t be having it all its own way in next year’s Rugby League World

See Full Page