Sydney Roosters halfback Sam Walker has capped off his recent NRL premiership triumph with a call-up to Australia's 23-man squad for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup. Walker is one of six debutants selected by Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters for the home tournament, which begins in Sydney on October 15 with a blockbuster clash against New Zealand.
The men's national side will be captained by Isaah Yeo, who has opted to put off undergoing pectoral surgery to lead his country. Alongside Walker's inclusion, Walters' squad features intense competition for key positions. Walker will compete for a halves role against Cameron Munster, Tom Dearden, and Mitchell Moses. Meanwhile, Brisbane Broncos star Reece Walsh will vie for the fullback position against Clive Churchill medallist James Tedesco. The squad also welcomes back Latrell Mitchell, who returns to international duty following several injury-plagued seasons.
The Jillaroos will also kick off their tournament on October 16 against Samoa at CommBank Stadium under first-time captain Isabelle Kelly. Coach Jess Skinner named three uncapped players in her 23-player squad, including the Roosters' Sariah Paki and Jocelyn Kelleher, alongside North Queensland Cowboys prop Makenzie Weale. The premiership-winning Roosters dominate the roster with eight representatives, while the Brisbane Broncos have contributed three, including three-time Dally M medallist Tamika Upton.
Reflecting on the selections, Walters expressed immense satisfaction with the roster's balance, citing its combination of experience, size, speed, and striking capability. He acknowledged the rising quality of international competition, noting that the depth of talent across rival nations will make this tournament a highly challenging campaign for the host nation.
What This Means
The squad selections highlight a transitional phase for Australian rugby league, balancing proven veteran leadership with emerging premiership-winning talent. Yeo's decision to delay medical intervention underscores the immense premium players place on captaining their country on home soil. Furthermore, the intense internal battles for starting spots—particularly between Walker and established playmakers, and Walsh against Tedesco—demonstrate the sheer depth available to Walters. For the women's game, the heavy presence of Roosters and Broncos stars reflects the ongoing dominance of these club systems, setting up a highly competitive framework as the Jillaroos look to assert dominance starting against Samoa.
Source: the Guardian
Original source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/oct/05/nrl-kangaroos-jillaroos-world-cup-rugby-league-sam-walker