Wallabies unveil first squad under Kiss; Henry uncapped

New Wallabies coach Les Kiss has handed an opportunity to uncapped Queensland Reds centre Isaac Henry, naming him in the 34-man squad for back-to-back tests against Japan and highlighting his versatility to cover multiple positions as part of Kiss’s fresh squad makeup. Henry is the sole newcomer in a squad otherwise drawing on a mix of established veterans and recalled players, as injuries continue to reshape the selection, including Len Ikitau missing the series. The squad sees Lukhan Salakaia-Loto recalled and Isaac Kailea brought in to replace James Slipper, with Kailea stepping in for Slipper after his long-anticipated return from retirement. Captain Harry Wilson is retained, and Carter Gordon plus others return as Kiss aims to hit the ground running after Australia’s Nations Championship win over Italy and a six-game losing streak under previous coach Joe Schmidt. Kiss emphasizes forming a cohesive, high-intensity squad and the need for players to sustain performance across both tests in Osaka and Townsville. The changes mark a clear shift in leadership and selection strategy as Kiss builds toward a World Cup campaign on home soil.