Walker picked in Kangaroos squad as Walters names Australia World Cup teams
Kevin Walters announced a 23-man Kangaroos squad that includes Sydney Roosters halfback Sam Walker for the Rugby League World Cup, with the home tournament opening in Sydney on 15 October. Isaah Yeo will delay pectoral surgery in order to captain the side.
Walters selected a combination of established internationals and newcomers for the home tournament, naming Walker as one of six debutants in the 23-man group. The squad will begin the competition against New Zealand in Sydney on 15 October. Walker arrives in the squad fresh off NRL premiership success.
Walker faces a four-way contest for a halves position against Cameron Munster, Tom Dearden and Mitchell Moses. Brisbane star Reece Walsh was also included and will compete with Clive Churchill medallist James Tedesco for the fullback role. Latrell Mitchell has been recalled to the Test team after battling injuries over recent seasons.
Walters said, "I’m really happy with the balance of the squad. We have some real strike power and a significant amount of experience, along with size, power and speed." Walters added, "This will be a huge test. I have never before seen the amount of talent spread across the top nations. We are going to need to be at our best to take out the World Cup."
Kangaroos squad: Isaah Yeo (captain), Bradman Best, Jack Bostock, Blake Brailey, Pat Carrigan, Lindsay Collins, Reuben Cotter, Tom Dearden, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, David Fifita, Harry Grant, Keaon Koloamatangi, Liam Martin, Latrell Mitchell, Mitchell Moses, Cam Munster, Cam Murray, Jacob Preston, Kotoni Staggs, James Tedesco, Tom Trbojevic, Sam Walker, Reece Walsh.
Isabelle Kelly has been named captain of the Jillaroos, with coach Jess Skinner selecting a 23-player squad on Monday. The NRLW premiership-winning Roosters supply eight players to the side, including potential debutants Sariah Paki and Jocelyn Kelleher. North Queensland Cowboys prop Makenzie Weale is the third uncapped player, while grand finalists Brisbane Broncos have contributed three players including three-time Dally M medallist Tamika Upton.
Jillaroos squad: Isabelle Kelly (captain), Tarryn Aiken, Kezie Apps, Shaylee Bent, Jaime Chapman, Abbi Church, Quincy Dodd, Millie Elliott, Tiana Penitani Gray, Olivia Higgins, Ellie Johnston, Keilee Joseph, Jocelyn Kelleher, Olivia Kernick, Keeley Nizza, Sariah Paki, Julia Robinson, Jessica Sergis, Jesse Southwell, Simaima Taufa, Sarah Togatuki, Tamika Upton, and Makenzie Weale.
The Kangaroos begin their tournament at home against New Zealand on 15 October in Sydney, while the Women’s Rugby League World Cup opens on 16 October with hosts Australia facing Samoa at CommBank Stadium in Sydney.