New names in preliminary Wallaby training squad

SYDNEY – Wallaby Coach Michael Cheika has named five uncapped players in his preliminary train-on squad for the first round of the Rugby Championship in Brisbane on July 18.

Code-swapper Karmichael Hunt is the biggest surprise and is joined by Samu Kerevi, Melbourne Rebels’ Toby Smith, Paul Alo-Emile and the Western Force’s Adam Coleman.

After suffering a stop-start season due to off-field behavioural issues including a drug scandal, Hunt’s selection in the training squad vindicates his decision to switch to rugby union in the off-season. Fellow Red Kerevi has been rewarded for his strong Super Rugby season in which he became one of the Australian conference’s most destructive runners.

James O’Connor also makes his return to the international environment after a tumultuous 18 months which saw him play a stint in France’s Top 14 with Toulon.

With the Reds, Rebels and the Western Force’s Super Rugby seasons over for 2015, Cheika has excluded naming Brumbies’ and Waratahs’ players until the conclusion of their Super Rugby playoffs campaigns.

Melbourne Rebels

Paul Alo-Emile*
Scott Higginbotham
Luke Jones
Sean McMahon
Toby Smith*

Queensland Reds

Quade Cooper
Saia Fainga’a
Will Genia
Liam Gill
James Hanson
James Horwill
Greg Holmes
Karmichael Hunt*
Samu Kerevi*
James O’Connor
Rob Simmons
James Slipper

Western Force

Adam Coleman*
Nick Cummins
Tetera Faulkner
Ben McCalman
Matt Hodgson

* Uncapped