World Cup over for Aussie star Mitchell Moses as potential debutant Ethan Strange joins squad

Mitchell Moses will miss the remainder of the Rugby League World Cup, ruled out of the Kangaroos’ title defence with a calf injury.

The Parramatta playmaker suffered the injury during Australia’s 24-22 win over New Zealand in the tournament opener on Thursday night in Sydney.

He attempted to play on but eventually left the field less than two minutes into the second half.

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Scans following the match revealed a “high-grade muscle tear”, meaning his World Cup campaign is over.

It’s a blow to the Kangaroos, who are already missing Nathan Cleary with a serious leg injury, with Moses the Kangaroos’ strongest last-tackle kicker.

Coach Kevin Walters said the 32-year-old was understandably disappointed to miss the remainder of the campaign.

Moses switched allegiance to play for Australia at this tournament after captaining Lebanon at the 2022 World Cup.

“Mitch made a wonderful contribution to our World Cup preparations during the camp in Sydney and very bravely tried to play through the injury until he eventually had to come from the field on Thursday night,” Walters said in a statement on Saturday.

“He is naturally disappointed at the outcome today, and the fact that he tried to stay out there when he was clearly injured shows just what it means to him to represent his country and play in the Kangaroos jersey.”

Canberra five-eighth Ethan Strange will replace Moses in the 23-man squad in coming days.

Australia’s next pool match is against Fiji in Brisbane next Sunday night.

Walters is set to rotate his squad with Sam Walker and Tom Dearden the new halves pairing.