Kangaroos set for bombshell fullback call; controversial prodigy cleared to play — Team Tips

Australian coach Kevin Walters is set to make a shock selection call as the Kangaroos prepare to kick-off their World Cup campaign against New Zealand.

Meanwhile, the Kiwis have called in two NRL stars to join their squad.

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Elsewhere, a former Dragons prodigy has been cleared to make his return to the field as Tonga trimmed their squad, omitting a veteran front-rower.

Read on for all the Team Tips for Week 1 of the 2026 World Cup!

THURSDAY OCTOBER 15

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

Australia Squad: James Tedesco, Tom Trbojevic, Latrell Mitchell, Bradman Best, Jack Bostock, Cameron Munster, Sam Walker, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Harry Grant, Pat Carrigan, Liam Martin, David Fifita, Isaah Yeo, Tom Dearden, Keaon Koloamatangi, Cameron Murray, Reuben Cotter, Lindsay Smith, Reece Walsh, Blayke Brailey, Mitchell Moses, Jacob Preston, Kotoni Staggs

Team Tips: Australian coach Kevin Walters will be forced into some difficult decisions for the Kangaroos opening match of the World Cup. One of these decisions will be deciding whether incumbent fullback Reece Walsh or 2026 Clive Churchill Medallist James Tedesco wears the country's No.1 jersey. According to CODE Sports, Walsh is firming as the favourite in what is being considered a selection bombshell. The other will be who will partner Cameron Munster in the halves. While Sam Walker and TomDearden are members of the 23-man squad, CODE Sports is reporting that "early indications suggest" Walters will run with Mitchell Moses in the halfback position.

Jack Bostock and Bradman Best are in line for their international debuts. And NRL stars Latrell Mitchell and TomTrbojevic are also set to make their long-awaited return to the green and gold rounding out the back five. It is understood Trbojevic will play on the wing but the Newcastle star is also training in this position. "I'm happy to play wherever Kevvy wants me," Trbojevic told 9News. "I am happy to go out there and do a job. It's been a few years now ... we will work it out."

New Zealand Squad: Kalyn Ponga, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Dane Gagai, Casey McLean, Jamayne Isaako, Kodi Nikorima, Jahrome Hughes, James Fisher-Harris, Jeremy Marshall-King, Naufahu Whyte, Isaiah Papali'i, Briton Nikora, Joseph Tapine, Te Maire Martin, Erin Clark, Moses Leota, Leo Thompson, Xavier Willison, Keano Kini, Scott Sorensen, Jacob Laban, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

Team Tips: The Kiwis have called in Phoenix Crossland (Newcastle Knights) and Moses Leo (Melbourne Storm) into their extended squad for the World Cup but the duo won't play. Arriving in camp on Sunday, Crossland will hope the next three matches count towards his suspension so he will be available for Round 1 of the 2027 season.

Meanwhile, coach Stacey Jones is facing a difficult choice as to who will be in his starting forward pack. Don't be surprised to see James Fisher-Harris and Joseph Tapine both earn starting spots due to them being co-captains for the Kiwis. Unfortunately for Keano Kini, he will likely have to play from the six-man bench with Kalyn Ponga being given the green light to make his debut for New Zealand.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 16

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

Samoa Squad: Sua Fa'alogo, Greg Marzhew, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Stephen Crichton, Brian To'o, Jarome Luai, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Ata Mariota, Benaiah Ioelu, Francis Molo, Francis Manuleleua, Jermaine McEwen, Junior Paulo, Clayton Faulalo, Jazz Tevaga, Connelly Lemuelu, Spencer Leniu, Pasami Saulo, Ronald Volkman, Izack Tago, Enari Tuala, Ata Mariota, Shawn Blore Anae Ulesese

Team Tips: Samoa will have one of the best back-line of the tournament - Sua Fa'alogo, Greg Marzhew, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Stephen Crichton and BrianTo'o - but it means Izack Tago, ClaytonFaulalo and EnariTuala will contend with each other for the outside back spot on the extended bench. The Knights' star back row pairing of FrancisManuleleua and Jermaine McEwen are set to get the nod on the edge, while Connelly Lemuelu could do a job through the middle of the park on the bench. Benaiah Ioelu could get the nod at hooker, leaving Jazz Tevaga on the pine to be a middle or dummy-half utility.

France Squad: Arthur Mourge, Leo Darrelatour, Arthur Romano, Latrell Siegwalt, Fouad Yaha, Cesar Rouge, Theo Fages, Jordan Dezaria, Alrix Da Costa, Romain Navarette, Louis Grossemy, Matheiu Cozza, Benjamin Garcia, Amir Bourouh, Julien Bosquet, Benjamin Laguerre, Guillermo Aispuru Bichet, Romeo Tropis, Tiaki Chan, Thomas Lecans, Lambert Belmas, Mathieu Jussaume, Joe Drodolagi

Team Tips: Aiming to upset Samoa in their opening match, expect France to go with the formidable halves pairing of Cesar Rouge and Theo Fages. The only member of the team playing in the NRL, expect Rabbitohs utility back Latrell Siegwalt to slot into the centres due to Arthur Mourge wearing the No.1 jumper. "It's been a while since we've played in Australia and it's really important for us about how we play. I feel like the next decade for French Rugby League is very important," French Director of Rugby Trent Robinson said.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 17

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

Papua New Guinea Squad: Morea Morea Jnr, Robert Derby, Zac Laybutt, Josh Feledy, Nene Macdonald, Gairo Voro, Bailey Biondi-Odo, Epel Kapinias, Edwin Ipape, Jack de Belin, Rhyse Martin, Robert Mathias, Luca Moretti, Finley Glare, Nixon Putt, Valentine Richard, Sylvester Namo, Liam Horne, Sanny Wabo, Dudley Dotoi, Zav John, Rodrick Tai, Khaiya Waiembi

Team Tips: Foxsports.com.au understands Morea Morea Jnr is set to win the No.1 jersey with Sanny Wabo brought into the squad as a back-up. Meanwhile, the Kumuls have been dealt a double blow before the start of the tournament with CooperBai (hamstring) and Lachlan Lam (wrist) both ruled out. The absence of Lam is set to be felt massively but it will give Gairo Voro and Bailey Biondi-Odo the chance to step up in the halves. NRL regulars Josh Feledy and Luca Morreti will make their international debut this week.

Lebanon Squad: Jacob Kiraz, Abbas Miski, Brad Morkos, Michael Gabrael, Jason Saab, Khaled Rajab, Alex Conti, Alex Twal, Yehya Ayache, Tupou Francis, Jordan Samrani, Tony Sukkar, Jaxson Rahme, Joseph Nohra, James Roumanos, Charbel Tasipale, Mikael Ibrahim, Khaili Rahme, Tony Francis, Mohamed Alameddine, Jala Bazzaz, Moustafa Dirani, Ibrahim El Labban

Team Tips: The absence of the first-choice halves pairing, Adam Doueihi (injured) and Mitchell Moses (representing Australia) means 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. Meanwhile, promising Broncos prodigy TupouFrancis will start after pledging his allegiance to the Cedars. Elsewhere, centre Brad Morkos is set to make his long-awaited return to the international stage after returning to professional rugby league this season via the NSW Cup with the St George Illawarra Dragons.

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

England Squad: Jack Welsby, Dom Young, Herbie Farnworth, Hugo Savala, Zach Eckersley, George Williams, Mikey Lewis, Luke Thompson, Brad O'Neill, Max King, Kai Pearce-Paul, Junior Nsemba, Victor Radley, Jez Litten, Morgan Smithies, Morgan Knowles, Ben Currie, Ethan Havard, AJ Brimson, Matty Ashton, Zach Eckersley, Harry Smith, Sam Walters, Ben Talty

Team Tips: Coach Brian McDermott is facing a host of tough decisions to make this year with multiple Australian-based players joining his squad. While premiership-winner Hugo Savala can play in the halves, don't expect him to be there this week with a three-man shootout emerging between George Williams, MikeyLewis and HarrySmith. Instead, Savala will contend for a spot in the centres. Brad O'Neill is poised to be in the dummy-half role while Victor Radley and Kai Pearce-Paul are almost certain starters in the back-row and at lock.

Tonga Squad: Tolutau Koula, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Robert Toia, Leka Halasima, Jojo Fifita, Latu Fainu, Isaiya Katoa, Stefano Utoikamanu, Soni Luke, Addin Fonua-Blake, Siua Wong, Haumole Olakau'atu, Jason Taumalolo, Tuimoala Lolohea, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Demitric Vaimauga, Tyson Frizell, Salesi Foketi, Lehi Hopoate, Paul Alamoti, Talatau Amone, Sione Katoa, Taniela Paseka

Team Tips: Kristian Woolf has confirmed veteran front-rower Moeaki Fotuaika has been omitted from the Tongan national squad after they originally announced a 24-man squad instead of one that consists of 23 players. Fotuaika's absence comes as Talatau Amone - deregistered following a conviction for an assault involving a hammer - has received official clearance to play in the World Cup. "We had to make sure there was approval from the IRL and the NRL for Junior to make sure he was eligible to play," Woolf told AAP.

Amone will contend with Latu Fainu and Super League stalwart TuimoalaLolohea to accompany Isaiya Katoa in the halves. "Junior is a very talented player and I have been quite impressed by his comeback into rugby league," Woolf added. "He played Queensland Cup this year and I thought he was quite dominant at that level. "Junior is in a position where we need a bit more depth and that's why I have looked at giving him this opportunity." Duo Leka Halasima and Jojo Fifita have also been cleared to play after picking up injuries at the backend of the season.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 18

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

Fiji Squad: Sunia Turuva, Waqa Blake, Solomone Saukuru, Semi Valemei, Bayleigh Bentley-Hape, Kurt Donoghoe, Brandon Wakeham, Jacob Saifiti, Apisai Koroisau, Jordan Miller, Taane Milne, Kitione Kautoga, Caleb Navale, Josese Lanyon, Elijah Keung, Kylan Mafoa, Mitchell Prest, Ronald Philitoga, Joseph Litidamu, Masake Krukitoga, Jordan Leiu, Jimmy Ngutlik, Emosi Ravosai

Team Tips: Fiji have been hit hard by injuries, with regulars Jahream Bula (shoulder), JethroRinakama (knee) and Viliame Kikau (ankle) all unavailable for selection. Without Bula, Tigers teammate Sunia Turuva will shift to fullback, while Super League (and former NRL) backs Semi Valemei and Waqa Blake will headline the backline. Api Koroisau will wear the No.9 and captain the international side. Jacob Saifiti will start in the front row, having served all four weeks of his suspension.

Cook Islands Squad: Esom Ioka, Paul Ulberg, KL Iro, Valentine Holmes, Glassie Glassie, Maui Winitana-Patelesio, Esan Marsters, Pride Petterson-Robati, Rua Ngatikaura, Davvy Moale, Reuben Porter, Marata Niukore, Mason Teague, Delahia Wigmore, Makahesi Makatoa, Amare Milford, Rhys Dakin, Brad Takairangi, Reuben Rennie, Cameron Brown, Chaev Kolone, K-Ci Newton-Whare, David Tuariki

Team Tips: For the first time in his career, 21-time Australian Kangaroos centre Valentine Holmes will make his international debut for the Cook Islands after missing last year's Pacific Championships due to injury. He will slot into a stacked Kukis backline that also includes Cronulla Sharks star KL Iro and Wests Tigers rookie GlassieGlassie. With Cassius Cowley and Caelys-Paul Putoko unavailable for the tournament, it means the halves role will be handed to veteran Esan Marsters and Warriors rookie Maui Winitana-Patelesio.