Kangaroos elect for surprise switch up to tackle Young

Captain-coach Hayden Ashcroft is a surprise as one of three new faces in their spine as the Wagga club looks to cover the losses of Jake Mascini (knee) and Eddie Jackson (head knock) from last week's loss to Gundagai.

Ashcroft moves from the second row to five-eighth with Trae O'Neill back in the first grade at halfback, up against Toronto Wolfpack captain Josh McCrone.

Jordan Coleman returns to fullback, with Hamish Starr shifting back on the wing while Timoci Vatubuli comes into the centres as the club looks to rest Ned Cooper.

Bowie Foster has been named at hooker but Ashcroft admitted the second rower may not play the game out there.

The dramatic moves come as the club struggles for depth with Hayden Jolliffe and Eddie Lagaali already on the sidelines.

"Blokes are having to play out of position but I'm still pretty confident that we've got a versatile pack and people can get the job done," Ashcroft said.

"I will be an old school running six than a playmaker and I'm happy to play a half on each side and push blokes around the park."

Kangaroos, Young, Southcity and Junee all sit on one win after the first five rounds.

The match up at Alfred Oval is crucial for their finals chances as one of the quartet will sneak into fourth with three rounds still to be played.

Ashcroft hopes it provides plenty of incentive.

"It is always tough going to Young and it is going to be wet, which makes it hard to get up for, but with a young pack there are two games of football left for us and we have to get some energy around that," he said.

"There would be nothing better than coming away with the two points against Young at Young and hopefully we can finish off the season strong."

Young have also made plenty of changes with Jake Veney coming in on the wing, Josh Ayers will start for the first time with Jayke Hogan moving to the second row while Matt Murray has retained his place at five-eighth to form a new halves partnership with McCrone.

READ MORE