Mal Meninga has named his 21-man Kangaroos squad to participate in the inaugural Pacific Championship which begins on October 14.
The squad includes a number of World Cup players including Nathan Cleary, James Tedesco and Reuben Cotter. Meninga also named five debutants including Selwyn Cobbo, Payne Haas and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
Former Kangaroos player Brent Tate questioned the selection of Valentine Holmes given his recent white powder scandal off the field and suggested the centre was lucky to be named.
“There are a couple of players there that you can probably have an argument about,” Tate said on SENQ.
“Valentine Holmes has obviously done something that was very stupid.
“There is no other way to put it.
“He’s paid a heavy price with the NRL fining him and I’m sure the Cowboys will further fine him and put him on notice.
“It’s the highest of honours and when you’re the best of the best, it’s also what you bring off the field.
“In my Origin years, Mal was very big on that and I’m sure he’s got his reasons for picking him.
“If they didn’t pick Val Holmes, there were plenty of other guys that they could’ve picked.
“He probably should’ve missed out.”
Holmes is joined by fellow Cowboys teammate Reuben Cotter but not winger Murray Taulagi, who failed to retain his position from the World Cup squad.
Tate believes the 24-year-old is incredibly unlucky to miss selection.
“Murray Taulagi I think is very unlucky not to be in that side,” he added.
“You can make a case for everyone in that side.
“Other than that, I don’t have too many complaints with the squad.”
Australia plays their first match against Samoa on October 14 in Townsville.