Kerr Set for Matildas Vs Mexico in Newcastle Return
Sam Kerr is set to play in matildas vs mexico after Joe Montemurro said the striker has trained fully this week and is good to go for tomorrow night. The Matildas arrived in Newcastle tonight for the match at McDonald Jones Stadium, where tickets were all but sold out yesterday.
Montemurro Counts On Kerr
Montemurro said Kerr’s return gives Australia a stronger look against Mexico, ranked No.28 in the world. Kerr missed the last Matildas visit to Newcastle in April, more than a year ago, when she was sidelined with a knee injury against Korea Republic.
“She has trained fully this week, so she's good to go for tomorrow night,” he said. He also said the friendly was an important test as the Matildas build toward their next World Cup campaign in 12 months.
Mexico Brings a Different Test
Montemurro said the fixture was designed to expose the squad to different styles before World Cup scenarios. “It was very important that we found all different types of styles that we could possibly come up against in those games in a World Cup scenario. For us, it was important that we play a very good team - they are very talented, they have done very well in the rankings and in their nation - they're a top team.”
The crowd should add weight to the occasion. Tickets were down to a handful yesterday, and the match is expected to be played in front of a sellout crowd on Saturday night.
Wheeler Returns Home
Emily van Egmond said she was keen to play in front of a heaving home crowd, while Clare Wheeler is poised for her fourth Matildas appearance in Newcastle. Wheeler has already played there against the United States in 2021, Jamaica in 2023 and Korea Republic in 2025.
“When you see Newcastle on the calendar, I definitely want to play, want to feature and represent my hometown,” she said. “So whatever capacity that's in, I want to make the most of it because there will be family, friends and community out there that I want to represent.” She added that her dad Ken will be in the stands on his birthday: “It's really fortuitous because it's actually my dad's birthday the day that we play, so it's all lined up perfectly.”
