Gallen urges Kevvie to pick ‘unreal’ World Cup bolter
Paul Gallen called for Cowboys young gun Jaxon Purdue to be picked in the Kangaroos’ World Cup squad after he starred for the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII in a thumping win on Saturday.
Purdue was among the best as the Australian XIII thrashed a Papua New Guinea team 60-10 in Port Moresby.
Jaxon Purdue in action for the Australian PM’s XIII. NRL Imagery
As Ezra Mam jagged a hat-trick, Billy Walters ran amok at the ruck, David Fifita shone in the centres and Lachlan Galvin controlled the team beautifully, Purdue showed his wares in the No.1 jumper.
The 21-year-old, who is expected to play fullback for North Queensland in 2027 after Scott Drinkwater’s departure to St George Illawarra, racked up a line break, a line break assist and two tries.
His standout game follows a couple of individually impressive seasons with North Queensland, where he played mainly in the centres but also in the halves.
Reece Walsh and James Tedesco are likely in a two-man wrestle for the Australian No.1 jersey, with Dylan Edwards battling a knee injury suffered in Penrith’s preliminary final loss to Newcastle.
But in Gallen’s eyes, there should also be room for the versatile Purdue in the Kangaroos squad.
“I think he’s unreal,” Gallen, a Kangaroos great, said on Nine after the PM’s XIII match.
“He is one of the best young players I’ve ever seen in my entire time in the game. He’s a brilliant player.
“I wouldn’t be surprised whatsoever if he makes this World Cup squad. I think he thoroughly deserves to.
“I think he’s a great young talent, and I think he wouldn’t let anyone down if he’s in the Australian squad whatsoever.”
According to Gallen, four players who turned out for the Australian XIII on Saturday should be in the mix for World Cup jerseys: Fifita, centre Tom Chester, front-rower Tom Hazelton and Purdue.
Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters. NRL Imagery
A host of players will front up for last-gasp Kangaroos auditions in the NRL grand final on Sunday, including Tedesco, Sam Walker, Reece Robson, Bradman Best and Dylan Lucas.
Superstar Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga has switched his allegiance from Australia to New Zealand.
