# Australia Rugby League World Cup preparations and lineup

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/australia-rugby-league-world-cup-preparations
> Updated: 2026-10-27T05:29:20.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3.

Preparations for the Rugby League World Cup have centered on the Australian Kangaroos squad selection and player availability. Coach Kevin Walters initially announced a 23-man squad featuring players such as Sam Walker and Reece Walsh, while captain Isaah Yeo decided to delay pectoral surgery to participate in the tournament.

As the competition approached, focus shifted to the selection battle for the fullback position ahead of the opening match against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium. Coach Walters faced a decision between James Tedesco and Reece Walsh, the latter of whom returned to training following an ankle injury sustained in August. Captain Isaah Yeo noted that Walsh’s ability to create opportunities provides confidence to the squad.

Following victories against New Zealand and Fiji, Walters announced significant lineup changes for the final pool match against the Cook Islands. Reece Walsh was selected to return at fullback, moving James Tedesco to the bench. The halves saw Tom Dearden selected to partner Cameron Munster, marking the team’s third different combination of the tournament and resulting in Sam Walker moving to the reserves. The forward pack was bolstered by the return of Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin, alongside the return of Pat Carrigan and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui to the starting lineup. Walters indicated these changes aimed to improve defensive consistency ahead of the knockout stages.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-27: Australia announces lineup changes for World Cup clash against Cook Islands

Coach Kevin Walters has named the Australian Kangaroos lineup for their World Cup pool match against the Cook Islands, featuring the return of Reece Walsh at fullback and a new halves pairing.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-announces-lineup-changes-for-world-cup-clash-against-cook-islands

### 2026-10-12: Australia Rugby League World Cup fullback selection battle

Isaah Yeo discusses the competition between Reece Walsh and James Tedesco for Australia's fullback position ahead of the Rugby League World Cup opener against New Zealand.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-rugby-league-world-cup-fullback-selection-battle

### 2026-10-04: Rugby League World Cup: Kangaroos squad announced and player shifts reported

Australia's Rugby League World Cup preparations involve key squad announcements, including Isaah Yeo's captaincy, Rob Toia's decision to represent Tonga, and discussions regarding international player pay gaps.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/robert-toia-selects-tonga-over-australia-for-rugby-league-world-cup

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Cite as: Australia Rugby League World Cup preparations and lineup. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/australia-rugby-league-world-cup-preparations