Rugby League World Cup selection headlines were set on Monday as Isaah Yeo opted to postpone pectoral surgery to lead Australia’s men, and Sydney Roosters halfback Sam Walker earned a maiden Kangaroos call-up.
Coach Kevin Walters confirmed a 23-man squad that features six potential debutants. Walker, fresh from the Roosters’ NRL premiership on Sunday, will compete with Cameron Munster, Tom Dearden and Mitchell Moses for a halves role. He is one of three Roosters included, alongside Clive Churchill Medallist James Tedesco and prop Lindsay Collins.
Tedesco had been a candidate to reclaim the Australian captaincy, but Yeo’s decision to play through his injury keeps the Penrith lock in charge. Yeo, who carried a torn pectoral through Penrith’s run to a preliminary final loss to Newcastle, is set to lead the Kangaroos in their group opener against New Zealand on 16 October.
“My plan all along was if I got back for Penrith and it was travelling all right, then I’d leave myself open for selection,” Yeo said. “I would only put my hand up if I thought I could contribute and perform at the level that’s needed for our country.”
Among the notable inclusions are Tom Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell, who return after injuries stalled their international careers. South Sydney forward David Fifita is also in line for his first Australian cap after previously representing Tonga at Test level.
Walters declined to confirm whether Tedesco is his first-choice fullback, with Reece Walsh also named. Newcastle fullback Kalyn Ponga will be available for New Zealand against Australia after being fined $1,000 for a high tackle on Victor Radley.
Rugby League World Cup women’s squad decisions
In the women’s selections, former Jillaroos captain Ali Brigginshaw was omitted from Australia’s squad, ending hopes of a farewell in green and gold. The Brisbane playmaker, 36, missed out a day after her final NRLW game for the Broncos, who were beaten in the grand final by the Sydney Roosters.
Roosters captain Isabelle Kelly will skipper the Jillaroos, with Easts halves Tarryn Aiken and Jocelyn Kelleher preferred ahead of Brigginshaw. Coach Jess Skinner said Brigginshaw was upset by the decision.
“That was one of the hardest phone calls I’ve had to make,” Skinner said. “Ali is a legend of the game and what she’s done in our jersey is exceptional.”
The Jillaroos squad is dominated by Broncos and Roosters players, including Brisbane five-eighth Jesse Southwell and Roosters prop Millie Elliott, who was selected despite announcing her retirement at the end of the NRLW season. Former rugby sevens international Sariah Paki has also been picked after impressing in the Roosters pack.
Australia begin the women’s group stage against Samoa on Friday 16 October, before facing England and Wales.
Rugby League World Cup: Kangaroos squad
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.
Jillaroos squad
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, Makenzie Weale.
For more on how Australian squads are shaping up across different sports, see our coverage of South Africa v Australia in the third ODI.