Mark Nawaqantiawase, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto to join Wallabies squad

The Wallabies have called up Mark Nawaqanitwase and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto as injury cover ahead of the final Test at the SCG. It comes as nearly a third of a 35-player squad named ahead of the three-match series have either succumbed to injury or suspension, leaving Dave Rennie struggling for numbers.

Nawaqanitwase comes into the squad, having featured in the opening two rounds of the Pacific Nations Cup with Australia A.

The 21-year-old was recently selected in the Sevens squad for the Commonwealth Games after experiencing a breakout year with the Waratahs, scoring seven tries in his last nine Super Rugby games.

His inclusion comes with Jordan Petaia at long odds to feature in Saturday's decider under new World Rugby concussion laws.

Izaia Perese (patella) will undergo further scans after he was left in agony early in the second half.

They are joined on the sidelines by Tom Banks (arm) and Andrew Kellaway (hamstring), who confirmed he expects to miss up to six weeks after picking up the knock in training.

Meanwhile, Salakaia-Loto's call-up caps a remarkable return from club wilderness.

The Northampton-bound lock was a regular starter under Brad Thorn before his injury in round three after taking the captaincy.

However, the Wallaby slipped down the depth chart and featured in just three further games in 2022, finishing the year in club rugby with Souths in Queensland's Hospital Cup.

It comes as Cadeyrn Neville is expected to miss the decider with a suspected MCL injury after he landed awkwardly following a cleanout during the England defeat.

Jed Holloway remains on the mend as he deals with a calf complaint whilst Darcy Swain prepares to serve the second match in his red card ban.

The Wallabies remain hopeful Brumbies duo Allan Alaalatoa (concussion) and Len Ikitau (calf) will be available for the SCG Test.