Kangaroos Name 23-Man World Cup Squad With Six Debutants, Including Sam Walker
Kevin Walters has named his 23-man Kangaroos squad for the Rugby League World Cup, with Isaah Yeo as captain, Latrell Mitchell back and six players set for a debut.
Australia's Rugby League World Cup squad is out, and the biggest talking points are a halves battle, a crowded fullback race and a group of fresh faces. Coach Kevin Walters named six debutants, headlined by Sydney Roosters halfback Sam Walker, who has just won his first grand final.
Who made the squad
The 23 players named are Bradman Best, Jack Bostock, Blayke Brailey, Patrick Carrigan, Lindsay Collins, Reuben Cotter, Tom Dearden, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, David Fifita, Harry Grant and Keaon Koloamatangi.
They are joined by Liam Martin, Latrell Mitchell, Mitchell Moses, Cameron Munster, Cameron Murray, Jacob Preston, Kotoni Staggs, James Tedesco, Tom Trbojevic, Walker, Reece Walsh and Yeo. (One source spells Brailey's first name "Blake"; Fox Sports uses "Blayke".)
The six debutants
The uncapped players are Best, Bostock, Brailey, Fifita, Preston and Walker. Best comes from Newcastle, the losing grand finalists. Fox Sports described Preston as a bolter who could either start or come off the bench.
Walker is the headline name. He will compete with Munster, Dearden and Moses for a place in the halves. The spot was left open by the injured Nathan Cleary, and Fox Sports said Walker and Moses are the two clear contenders to partner Munster.
"For Sam to get back and play the way he has, we had to find a position for him in the side," Walters said.
Returns, captain and omissions
Latrell Mitchell is back after injuries. He withdrew from last year's Ashes tour with back and neck problems, and Fox Sports says he is fit after returning late in the season. Tom Trbojevic is in line for his first Test since 2024 after putting hamstring trouble behind him.
Yeo will captain the side while playing through a ruptured pectoral muscle. He said he would only put his hand up if he could perform at the required level, and he will have surgery after the tournament.
Fullback is undecided. Tedesco, who won the Clive Churchill Medal in the grand final, and Walsh were both picked. Asked if Tedesco is the fullback, Walters said that was "to be" decided.
Several names are missing:
- Mark Nawaqanitawase is returning to rugby union.
- Josh Addo-Carr checked into a rehabilitation clinic after an alleged positive roadside drug test last month.
- Selwyn Cobbo, after a breakout season with the Dolphins, was a surprise omission. The Sydney Morning Herald reported he was unavailable with ankle and lower back issues.
- Angus Crichton and Hudson Young were unavailable.
- Robert Toia said he would pledge his allegiance to Tonga, which opened the door for Staggs in the centres.
Walters said the squad has "real strike power" and experience, along with size, power and speed. He also called the tournament "a huge test" given the talent across the top nations.
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What happens next
Australia plays New Zealand on October 15 in its opening match. The sources do not say who will start at fullback or in the halves, so the team list for that game is the next answer fans are waiting for. Walters has not tipped his hand on either position.
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