Walters leaves halfback spot open in Kangaroos World Cup squad
With halfback Nathan Cleary sidelined by injury, Walters has named four playmakers to battle for the starting role.
Kevin Walters has unveiled a 23-man Kangaroos squad for the Rugby League World Cup with Nathan Cleary's leg injury forcing a major selection puzzle. Walters has selected four potential halfbacks: Sam Walker, Mitchell Moses, Tom Dearden and Cameron Munster, with all four to compete for spots.
Munster will likely play five-eighth, leaving a three-way shootout between Walker, Moses and Dearden for the No. 7 jumper. The squad also includes two specialist fullbacks in Reece Walsh and James Tedesco, who just won the Clive Churchill Medal with the Roosters.
Panthers captain Isaah Yeo will lead the side despite playing the end of the NRL season with a ruptured pectoral muscle. The men's tournament kicks off on October 15 against New Zealand.
- 23 men
- Squad size
- Sam Walker, Mitchell Moses, Tom Dearden
- Halfback candidates
- October 15
- Tournament start
- New Zealand
- Opposing nation
Why it mattersThe halfback decision could shape Australia's World Cup prospects, with no clear frontrunner to control the game.
AustraliaAffects Australia's Rugby League World Cup campaign and NRL clubs' availability of players for the 2027 season start.
Corroborated bysmh.com.au
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