New Wallabies coach Les Kiss has shown faith in uncapped centre Isaac Henry after his maiden inclusion in the squad.
Kiss named the 27-year-old as the only potential debutant for the two-Test series against Japan in August.
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This follows several years of injury setbacks that have derailed his career in Queensland, with his five starts in 2026 the most he has managed in a season.
Henry's injury list is long-standing, including foot, knee and hamstring issues. The most serious one came in 2024, suffering a ruptured patellar tendon during a win over the Melbourne Rebels.
Kiss has seen Henry's progress first-hand, giving the Wests product the nod over Reds teammate and Wallabies regular Josh Flook.
“He's just worked so hard to get his body right. I think we're seeing the fruition of that work right now. His work over the last week and a half, he's been exceptional in Wallaby camp," he told reporters.
“He has a capacity to play two positions really strongly, either 12 or 13, so it was a call that came up, and it was a tough call for ‘Flukie’ [Josh Flook]. [Flook] a good man as a 13, but we need to cover 12 and 13 and we know that [Henry] can cover wing too.
“He should be proud of what he's done. He's worked hard to get where he is.”
Kiss was also quick to hand Lukhan Salakaia-Loto a recall after he was a surprise omission from the July Nations Championship squad.
“No-one's guaranteed a position. I'll make promises to no one but he's worked hard. He had a game with the Baa-Baas and he's ready,” Kiss on Salakaia-Loto.
“I'm very focused on making sure we strengthen our tight-head locks. Miles [Amatosero] has had a chance and he’s looks good, so can Jeremy [Williams].
“Lukhan is a big, powerful figure, so to bring him into play, we just get to see him in the environment as well."
The former Reds boss also showed faith in young prop Isaac Kailea as they look for depth outside of James Slipper, backing him to find the form of 2024 despite two starts for the NSW Waratahs in 2026.
"A few years ago I think he started eight Tests in a year so we know he's got the capacity there. He's going to come in and we're going to work on him, make sure that he's got to do what he's got to do.He's a good lad and I know he's hungry," Kiss added.
