Surprise omission in Kevvie’s big Kangaroos call; Samoa stunner: Rugby League World Cup Teams

The men’s Rugby League World Cup is almost here, with Australia and New Zealand facing off in a clash of the tournament favourites on Thursday night.

Kevin Walters has made a few big selection calls as his first Kangaroos side was named while Samoa’s stacked backline meant a surprise name missed out.

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Read on for team lists ahead of the first round of the World Cup!

Australia vs New Zealand @ Allianz Stadium, 8:05pm AEST

Australia team list: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jack Bostock 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Kotoni Staggs 5. Tom Trbojevic 6. Cameron Munster 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Harry Grant 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Jacob Preston 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo (c) 14. Tom Dearden 15. Cameron Murray 16. Reuben Cotter 17. Keaon Koloamatangi 18. David Fifita 19. Bradman Best 20. Blayke Brailey 21. James Tedesco 22. Sam Walker 23. Lindsay Smith

Analysis: Kevin Walters has made two big calls with Reece Walsh and Mitchell Moses selected ahead of premiership-winning duo James Tedesco and Sam Walker. It doesn’t necessarily mean they are the first-choice options, as the Kangaroos can realistically afford to drop the game against New Zealand given they will be favourites to beat both Fiji and the Cook Islands. But that isn’t to say Australia will be taking this game lightly and Walters will want to start on the front foot. It is just that with both Tedesco and Walker carrying niggles into the World Cup, this is probably a good chance for Walters to give both Walsh and Moses a run. Walters further hinted at the fact Tedesco and Walker could get a run later in the tournament in Australia’s official statement confirming the team. “The players who aren’t involved in game one will get their opportunity during the tournament, and I know they’ll be ready for it,” he said. Elsewhere, Kotoni Staggs is another underperforming Bronco along with teammate Patrick Carrigan to get another shot in the green and gold despite the stellar form of Bradman Best, who ends up on the bench. One surprise name on the reserves is Blayke Brailey. It means Harry Grant may well have to play the entire 80 minutes unless Tom Dearden fills in there. Brailey was expected to offer a creative option to fill in for Grant during the game, but against a monster Kiwis pack Walters may be opting for a bigger banch. Elsewhere, Jacob Preston not only makes his Kangaroos debut but gets the start while Latrell Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic round out a backline full of X-factor players along with debutant Jack Bostock.

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New Zealand team list: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Dane Gagai 4. Casey McLean 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. James Fisher-Harris (c) 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Moses Leota 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Briton Nikora 13. Joseph Tapine 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Erin Clark 17. Xavier Willison 18. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 19. Keano Kini 20. Scott Sorensen 21. Leo Thompson 22. Jacob Laban

Analysis: While there had been some talk Kalyn Ponga could shift to the halves to free up Keano Kini to start at fullback, as expected the dynamic Knights superstar lines up in the No.1 jersey to lead a backline that mixes power, experience and slick finishing. This Kiwis team largely picks itself, with Erin Clark stiff to miss out on a starting spot having recently been crowned lock forward of the year at the Dally M awards. But James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota simply demand starting spots at prop and the selection of Tapine at lock points to a simplified gameplan for the Kiwis, who will look to overpower the Kangaroos up front.

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Kiwis gunning to unleash Kalyn Ponga | 01:02

Samoa vs France @ CommBank Stadium, 5:45pm AEST

Samoa team list: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Brian To’o 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Deine Mariner 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Jarome Luai (c) 8. Francis Molo 9. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Junior Paulo (c) 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Francis Manuleleua 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Shawn Blore 17. Sualauvi Faalogo 18. Ata Mariota 19. Clayton Faulalo 20. Ronald Volkman 21. Pasami Saulo 22. Enari Tuala

Analysis: A surprise in the backline with Melbourne Storm fullback Sualauvi Faalogo missing out on a starting spot. Instead, it is speedster Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow getting the nod which then means Izack Tago gets a start at centre and Deine Mariner slots in on the wing. Samoa will field a back row that packs plenty of punch and power with Newcastle teammates Jermaine McEwen and Francis Manuleleua along with Connelly Lemuelu while new Eels recruit Spencer Leniu will provide impact off the bench.

France team list: 1. Arthur Mourgue 2. Benjamin Laguerre 3. Latrell Siegwalt 4. Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet 5. Léo Darrelatour 6. Cesar Rouge 7. Théo Fages 8. Romain Navarrete 9. Benjamin Garcia (c) 10. Lambert Belmas 11. Arthur Romano 12. Mathieu Jussaume 13. Julian Bousquet 14. Amir Bourouh 15. Tiaki Chan 16. Jordan Dezaria 17. Mathieu Cozza 18. Thomas Lacans 19. Louis Grossemy 20. Jowasa Drodrolagi 21. Roméo Tropis 22. Fouad Yaha

Analysis: France’s squad includes some familiar faces. Rabbitohs outside back Latrell Siegwalt makes his international debut in the centres, while former Broncos and Panthers forward Benjamin Garcia will captain the side in the No.9 jersey. Veteran playmakers Cesar Rouge and Theo Fages will once again lead the attack in the halves, as they did in the last World Cup, while Arthur Mourge will play fullback. Arguably one of the best talents to come out of France, Morgue has been hindered by injuries but has had a successful career in the Super League. The 27-year-old has spent the past two seasons with Hull Kingston Rovers, where he has scored 248 points, and previously had a long stint at the Catalans Dragons.

"Honeymoon after the World Cup!" | 03:24

Papua New Guinea vs Lebanon @ Santos National Football Stadium, 3:25pm AEST

Papua New Guinea team list: 1. Morea Morea 2. Robert Derby 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Nene Macdonald 5. Dudley Dotoi 6. Gairo Voro 7. Bailey Biondi-Odo 8. Valentine Richard 9. Edwin Ipape 10. Luca Moretti 11. Rhyse Martin 12. Nixon Putt 13. Jack de Belin 14. Finley Glare 15. Liam Horne 16. Epel Kapinias 17. Sylvester Namo 18. Rodrick Tai 19. Sanny Wabo 20. Robert Mathias 21. Khaiya Waiembi 22. Zev John

Analysis:Gairo Voro partners the talented Bailey Biondi-Odo in the halves while Edwin Ipape slots in at hooker, with Finley Glare deputising as the spine utility on the pine. The pack features plenty of NRL experience, with Jack de Belin at the middle and exciting rising Eels star Luca Moretti in the second row along with former NRL goal-kicking specialist Rhyse Martin. Lachlan Lam, Cooper Bai and Alex Johnston are all sidelined due to injury, leaving some big holes in this squad — although PNG still look to have fielded a solid outfit.

Lebanon team list: 1. Jacob Kiraz 2. Tony Francis 3. Michael Gabrael 4. Jordan Samrani 5. Jason Saab 6. Khaled Rajab 7. Alex Conti 8. Jaxson Rahme 9. Yehya Ayache 10. James Roumanos 11. Tony Sukkar 12. Charbel Tasipale 13. Alex Twal 14. Moustafa Dirani 15. Mikael Ibrahim 16. Jalal Bazzaz 17. Khalil Rahme 18. Joseph Nohra 19. Abbas Miski 20. Tupou Francis 21. Mohamed Alameddine 22. Cameron Kanaan

Analysis: Lebanon could not turn to the first-choice halves pairing of Adam Doueihi (injured) and Mitchell Moses (representing Australia) so Alex Conti has been given the reins to lead the nation’s attack in the No.7 jersey. The Canterbury Bulldogs youngster is regarded as one of the best young playmaking prospects and is likely to make his NRL debut next year. While Lebanon will struggle with their squad depth, there is plenty to be excited about with Jacob Kiraz and Jason Saab headlining the backline, with the former slotting in at fullback while Parramatta regular Jordan Samrani and exciting Sharks young gun Michael Gabrael also feature. Rabbitohs hooker Yehya Ayache is the only dummy-half in the squad and will play in the middle alongside NRL regulars Alex Twal and Tony Sukkar. Meanwhile, promising Broncos prodigy Tupou Francis has been named on the extended bench after pledging his allegiance to the Cedars - he can represent a number of different nations, including France and Tonga.

Munster speaks on future speculation | 02:41

England vs Tonga @ HBF Park, 8:05pm AEST

England team list: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Dominic Young 3. Hugo Savala 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Zach Eckersley 6. George Williams (c) 7. Harry Smith 8. Max King 9. Brad O’Neill 10. Morgan Knowles 11. Junior Nsemba 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Victor Radley 14. Jez Litten 15. Luke Thompson 16. Ethan Havard 17. Sam Walters 18. Jack Welsby 19. Matty Ashton 20. Ben Currie 21. Mikey Lewis 22. Ben Talty

Analysis: The most contentious call of the World Cup for Brian McDermott saw him leave 2025 Super League Man Of Steel Jake Connor. Instead, he opted for Mikey Lewis but the Hull KR star has been overlooked for the tournament opener with Harry Smith getting the nod alongside captain and Dolphins recruit George Williams. AJ Brimson has been chosen ahead of Jack Welsby at fullback while the forward pack is stacked with NRL talent, including Max King, Morgan Knowles, Kai Pearce-Paul and Victor Radley. Roosters premiership-winner Hugo Savala, meanwhile, features alongside Dolphins standout Herbie Farnworth in the centres while hulking Newcastle winger Dominic Young has also been named to start.

Tonga team list: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Robert Toia 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Latu Fainu 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Soni Luke 10. Jason Taumalolo (c) 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Siua Wong 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Salesi Foketi 15. Stefano Utoikamanu 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Leka Halasima 18. Tuimoala Lolohea 19. Paul Alamoti 20. Taniela Paseka 21. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 22. Sione Katoa

Analysis: Want to know just how stacked this Tonga team is? Look at some of the names that have missed out. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki had a breakout season for the Dolphins and earned a new contract but there is no room for him. The same is true for Paul Alamoti, who is one of the more underrated players in the Penrith machine with an insane tackle-busting tendency in open space. It is hard to argue with any of the selections ahead of them though. Lehi Hopoate gets the nod at fullback, with Tolu Koula another option Tonga could have turned to. Instead, Koula lines up in the centres along with Rob Toia, who pledged his allegiance to Tonga away the Roosters’ premiership win. The experience Dallin Watene-Zelezniak lines up on the wing alongside the much-improved Jojo Fifita, who caps off a big season which saw him make his State of Origin debut. The big question was who partner Isaiya Katoa in the halves and it is Tigers young gun Latu Fainu who gets the honour, while Tonga looks to be running Soni Luke as an 80-minute hooker. That is arguably the only real concern for this strong Tonga team given Luke has typically been a bench hooker in NRL land and has a tendency to overplay his hand at times. Here, all Tonga needs from Luke is slick service to give Katoa the time and space to thrive.

Fiji vs Cook Islands @ McDonald Jones Stadium, 4:05pm AEST

Fiji team list: 1. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Waqa Blake 4. Solomone Saukuru 5. Semi Valemei 6. Kurt Donoghoe 7. Brandon Wakeham 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Mitchell Prest 11. Taane Milne 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Caleb Navale 14. Josese Lanyon 15. Emosi Ravosai 16. Elijah Keung 17. Ronald Philitoga 18. Apenisa Driti 19. Jordin Leiu 20. Joseph Litidamu 21. Zion Johnson 22. Kylan Mafoa

Analysis: Fiji Bati have been hit hard by injuries, with regulars Jahream Bula (shoulder), Jethro Rinakama (knee) and Viliame Kikau (ankle) all unavailable for selection. They were then dealt a further blow after the International Rugby League board ruled that the Fainu brothers - Latu, Samuela and Sione - were unable to change allegiances due to their failure to provide enough evidence to confirm their Fijian heritage. Tui Kamikamica and Michael Jennings have also retired from the 13-man code. Without Bula, Bayleigh Bentley-Hape will shift to fullback, while Super League (and former NRL) backs Semi Valemei and Waqa Blake will headline the backline. With no primary playmaker in their squad, Fiji will be forced to use Brandon Wakeham and Kurt Donoghoe in the halves despite them predominantly playing in the forwards for their respective club sides. Api Koroisau will wear the No.9 and captain the international side. He will be in the middle of a surprisingly solid forward pack which includes Eels star Kitione Kautoga, Sea Eagles rookie Caleb Navale - on the comeback trail from an ACL injury - and former Rabbitoh Taane Milne. Jacob Saifiti will start in the front row, having served all four weeks of his suspension.

Cook Islands team list: 1. Esom Ioka 2. Paul Ulberg 3. KL Iro 4. Reubenn Rennie 5. Cameron Brown 6. Maui Winitana-Patelesio 7. Esan Marsters 8. Davvy Moale 9. Mason Teague 10. Makahesi Makatoa 11. Delahia Wigmore 12. Reuben Porter 13. Pride Petterson-Robati 14. Ruatapu Ngatikaura 15. K-Ci Newton-Whare 16. Rhys Dakin 17. Brad Takairangi 18. Glassie Glassie 19. Chaev Kolone 20. Brody Tamarua 21. David Tuariki

Analysis: There is one big name missing with 21-time Australian Kangaroos centre Valentine Holmes out of the side after initially being named in the squad. Holmes was expected to make his international debut for the Cook Islands after missing last year’s Pacific Championships due to injury but has not been named. It is unclear at this stage why that is the case. Six-time New Zealand Kiwis international forward Marata Niukore is another big name missing for the Kukis after changing his international allegiance last year. Sharks star KL Iro will captain the side which includes Tigers rookie Glassie Glassie, who recently extended with the club. Unfortunately, the Cook Islands suffered a double blow pre-tournament with regulars Cassius Cowley and Caelys-Paul Putoko unavailable. Otherwise, there is a mixture of young and experienced talent in the team which includes highly-rated former Penrith Panthers junior Mason Teague and former first-grade utility Brad Takairangi, who hasn’t played in the NRL since 2020.