Sam Walker has lost his place in the Kangaroos’ starting side less than 24 hours after the Sydney Roosters withdrew his contract offer, with Kevin Walters picking Tom Dearden to partner Cameron Munster in the halves against the Cook Islands in Townsville on Saturday.
Walters named his team for Australia’s final Rugby League World Cup Pool A clash on Tuesday 27 October, the NRL announced. Kick-off at Queensland Country Bank Stadium is 7.05pm AEST (8.05pm AEDT) on Saturday 31 October.
Walker, who made his Test debut at halfback in the 36-22 win over Fiji on Sunday, is named in jersey 20 among the reserves. Dearden will wear the No.7 for the first time at this World Cup, and it is Australia’s third different halves combination of the tournament.
Walters told The Sydney Morning Herald the call had nothing to do with Walker’s contract situation. “Sammy is a man, he can handle that situation – there are a lot of players here who haven’t settled their careers beyond next season, so he’s not the only one,” Walters said.
The Roosters said on Monday night that their offer of an extension beyond the 2027 season had been withdrawn after the parties were unable to agree on terms. Walker is contracted to the club for 2027 and can negotiate with rival clubs from 1 November.
Read more: Sam Walker’s Roosters Contract Offer Withdrawn Before Free Agency
Walsh back, Tedesco to the bench
Reece Walsh returns at fullback after sitting out the Fiji game, with James Tedesco, who captained Australia on Sunday, dropping to the interchange. Isaah Yeo is back as captain, and Harry Grant and Liam Martin also return, with Australia naming the same starting pack that played New Zealand in the tournament opener.
Canberra five-eighth Ethan Strange is on the six-man interchange and will become Kangaroo number 869 if he takes the field. Latrell Mitchell, David Fifita and Blayke Brailey are named as reserves.
“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.
Read more: Tom Trbojevic Hat-Trick Saves Kangaroos in 36-22 Win Over Fiji
Kangaroos team to play 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)
Interchange
- 14. Ethan Strange
- 15. Keaon Koloamatangi
- 16. Cameron Murray
- 17. Reuben Cotter
- 18. Lindsay Smith
- 19. James Tedesco
Reserves
- 20. Sam Walker
- 21. Latrell Mitchell
- 22. David Fifita
- 23. Blayke Brailey
The match will be shown live in Australia on Seven and 7plus.
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