Sam Walker misses out as Kangaroos deploy new halves pairing for Cook Islands clash

Australia coach Kevin Walters has made multiple changes to the starting line-up for Saturday night’s Rugby League World Cup clash against the Cook Islands.

Reece Walsh will return at fullback despite James Tedesco’s brilliant performance against Fiji on Sunday with the Roosters premiership hero dropping to the bench.

Cameron Munster also returns at No.6, with Tom Dearden given the nod over Sam Walker for the other spot in the halves. It will be the third different halves combination the Kangaroos have deployed.

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Walker’s omission continues a big 24 hours for the superstar after the Roosters pulled their contract offer.

Captain Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin also return after missing last week, and props Pat Carrigan and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui have been elevated to the starting lineup.

Harry Grant is back in the No.9, while Ethan Strange is a chance to make his Test debut after being named on the bench. David Fifita and Blayke Brailey have dropped out of the squad.

“There has been a lot of positives in what the team has produced in the tournament so far against some strong opposition, but we are looking to build on that with an 80-minute performance on Saturday night,” Walters said.

“We know that anyone we come up against is going to rise to the occasion of playing the Kangaroos, but we will continue focusing on our own game and building towards the knock-out stage of the tournament.”

The Kangaroos have won both their matches so far against New Zealand and Fiji, but have been far from impressive.

They will be looking to head into the semi-finals with a big victory over the Cook Islands.

1. Reece Walsh, 2. Jack Bostock, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Tom Trbojevic, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Tom Dearden, 8. Patrick Carrigan, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Jacob Preston, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo (C), 14. Ethan Strange, 15. Keaon Koloamatangi, 16. Cameron Murray, 17. Reuben Cotter, 18. Lindsay Smith, 19. James Tedesco.

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