Australia names six debutants in Rugby League World Cup squad

Australia has named a 23-player squad for the Rugby League World Cup, with six players selected for potential Kangaroos debuts. Sydney Roosters halfback Sam Walker and Newcastle centre Bradman Best are among the newcomers. The squad also includes Jack Bostock, Blake Brailey, Jacob Preston and Kotoni Staggs.

Isaah Yeo will delay pectoral surgery to captain Australia during the tournament. Coach Kevin Walters said the squad combined experience with strike power, size, speed and strength. Australia will begin its World Cup campaign against New Zealand on October 15.

Walker faces competition for a place in the halves from Cameron Munster, Tom Dearden and Mitchell Moses. Reece Walsh and James Tedesco were selected as fullbacks. Tedesco is included after winning the Clive Churchill Medal in the Sydney Roosters’ grand-final victory, while Walsh also offers an option in the position.

Latrell Mitchell returns to the Test squad after recent injury problems. The selection also includes a number of established forwards, including Pat Carrigan, Lindsay Collins, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, David Fifita, Liam Martin and Cam Murray. Walters said the tournament would be a major test because of the level of talent among the leading nations.

He said Australia would need to perform at its best to win the World Cup. The squad is: 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, Cameron Munster, Cameron Murray, Jacob Preston, Kotoni Staggs, James Tedesco, Tom Trbojevic, Sam Walker, Reece Walsh and Isaah Yeo.