Roosters’ halfback among six debutants in Walters’ Australia squad
Isaah Yeo and Isabelle Kelly named men’s and women’s captains
Isaah Yeo will delay pectoral surgery to captain Australia’s men’s Rugby League World Cup campaign, after coach Kevin Walters revealed his 23-player squad that includes Sydney Roosters halfback Sam Walker.
One of six debutants in the squad, Walker will be locked in a four-way battle with Cameron Munster, Tom Dearden and Mitchell Moses for a spot in the Kangaroos’ halves.
Fresh off Sunday’s NRL premiership glory, Walker is one of three Roosters included, along with Clive Churchill medallist James Tedesco and prop Lindsay Collins.
Tedesco would have been a candidate to regain the Australian captaincy were it not for the fact Yeo has decided to delay surgery.
The Penrith lock played through the pain of a torn pec on his side’s run to the preliminary final loss to Newcastle, and will lead the Kangaroos out in their group stage 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 on Monday.
“I’ve been upfront and honest with Kevvie and it’s feeling good and 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 more notable inclusions in Walters’ squad are the returns of Tom Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell, both of whom were denied further international caps by injury problems in recent seasons.
Mitchell’s South Sydney teammate David Fifita is also in line for his first Australian jersey after previously playing for Tonga at Test level.
Walters would not be drawn on whether Tedesco was his first-choice fullback with Reece Walsh also named in the Kangaroos squad.
Newcastle fullback Kalyn Ponga will be free to line up for New Zealand against the Kangaroos after escaping with a $1000 fine for his high shot on Victor Radley.
Sydney Roosters’ women’s captain, Isabelle Kelly, will lead the Jillaroos for the first time, as coach Jess Skinner also named her 23-player squad on Monday.
The NRLW premiership-winning Roosters have eight players in the team, 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.
Skinner described being a Jillaroo as “one of the highest honours in our game”.
“Selection was incredibly competitive and there were some very difficult decisions, but we believe this group gives us the balance, and versatility we need for a World Cup campaign,” she said.
“What excites me most is the mix of experience and emerging talent, and the different strengths each player brings. We now have the responsibility to come together, represent the jersey with pride and make the most of the opportunity to play a World Cup on home soil.”
The Women’s Rugby League World Cup kicks off on 16 October with the hosts facing Samoa at CommBank Stadium in Sydney.
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: 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.
Rugby League World Cup 2026
Australia women's rugby league team
