In the leadup to the upcoming friendly against France, Australian coach Chris Walker-Bush has instead opted to run what he calls a 'Kangaroos Development squad' made up almost entirely of players currently playing football in the Rising Star Conference. To give them every chance of winning, Walker-Bush has also indicated he would name experienced players in several key positions. The squad is still expected to put on a good showing against the full strength French.

'It's a chance for young guys and guys who are playing well in our Rising Star Conference to have a hit out for Australia, and a chance for guys like Gasnier, DeVere, and Buderus- who are behind others in the race for top spots, to really make an impression'.

1: Brad Watts (Hunter Bantams)
2: Neil Sweeney (Sunshine Coast Wizards)
3: Mark Gasnier (Parramatta Vikings)
4: Michael DeVere (Northern Cannons)
5: Dustin Cooper (Sunshine Coast Wizards)
6: Matthew Gafa (Canberra Chargers)
7: Dominik Bush (Fairfield Stallions)
8: Tom Learoyd (Wests Panthers)
9: Danny Buderus © (Gold Coast Crusade)
10: Glenn Stewart (Hawthorn Hurricanes)
11: Tim McGann (Balmain Storm)
12: Luke Swain (Carnarvon Grizzlies)
13: Sam Payne (Wagga Badgers)

14: Craig Emmerton (The Entrance Tigers)
15: Bryce Gibbs (Balmain Storm)
16: Brad Morrin (The Entrance Tigers)
17: Brett Stewart (Sunshine Coast Wizards)

*cough*

Matt Gafa = Malta

I daresay he was born in Australia, which makes him eligible. Half of your Maltese players are playing under the grandparent rule. Buttegig played for Queensland, for example.

You might just have to exclude him from your first round side. I'll never use him again.

He's played two tests for Malta in the last 6 months in real life. hence he has pledged to Malta.

Mate, do a little research, and you'll find that a lot of players who are Australian play for other nations. For example:

Luke Ricketson -> Ireland
Ian Rubin -> Russia
Daniel Heckenberg -> Scotland
Hazem El Masri -> Lebanon

Matthew Gafa was born here, and played his first junior football here. When you look at international rugby league, you'll see that a lot of sides (particularly Italy, Greece, and Malta) are relying solely on Australians with heritage because there's no domestic competition currently running in those nations. Whilst Gafa has played tests for Malta, under international RL rules that doesn't rule him out as an Australian. He's a citizen here, whereas you don't need Maltese citizenship to play for the Malta Knights.

sweet as.

I'll choose someone else for round 1.