New Australian coach Kevvie Walters has revealed dropped Blues skipper Jake Trbojevic is in line for a recall to the Kangaroos side for their Ashes series against England amid a prop crisis.
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The Sydney Morning Herald reported Trbojevic is on Walters’ radar as he aims to build a squad capable of beating England in a historic Ashes Tour starting on October.
Trbojevic captained the Blues to the 2024 Origin series win, but was left out of Laurie Daley’s team that lost the 2025 campaign 2-1.
However, as speculation three stars could to defect to Samoa mounts, Walters has not shut the door on Trbojevic, who has a strong record in Kangaroos colours.
Payne Haas and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui will potentially defect to Samoa to join Spencer Leniu, while Stefano Utoikamanu is considering playing for Tonga.
Along with Mitch Barnett being sidelined with an ACL injury, as many as five props from the Origin series could be unavailable to Walters.
Pat Carrigan, Lindsay Collins, Reuben Cotter and Lindsay Smith will likely tour, while Max King and Josh King are also in the mix, but Walters is open to selecting 31-year-old Trbojevic.
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“Jake has never let anyone down when he has played for Australia – we want 22 blokes ready to go, who want to play for their country, and Jake certainly fits that category,” Walters said on Thursday.
“I coached against him, and you know what you get with him. His tackling technique is so good – ask someone who has been hit by him, and they’ll give you your answer.
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“A person of his calibre and character is always important to a team. He’s certainly in the mix.
“I feel like we have good depth in that area, including the guys who were there last year, like Patty and Lindsay Smith and Lindsay Collins, while there will also be players who jump out during the finals series.”
Trbojevic has scored two tries in 13 games for the Kangaroos from 2016 to 2023 and has won two World Cups for Australia.
