Australia open their Rugby League World Cup defence against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Thursday night, with Reece Walsh at fullback for the Kangaroos and Kalyn Ponga making his Kiwis debut in the No.1 jersey.
Kick-off in the Pool A clash is 8:05pm AEDT. The NRL said on Tuesday the match was set to be played before the biggest Test crowd in Sydney in more than 50 years based on ticket sales to date, with limited tickets remaining, in its official team announcement.
Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters has picked Walsh ahead of reigning Clive Churchill Medallist James Tedesco, with Mitchell Moses and Cameron Munster in the halves and Roosters premiership halfback Sam Walker left out of the 17. Tom Dearden is on the bench.
“Just for the team’s sake, everything that I make decisions on is around the team, and this week I feel it’s best that Reece is the fullback,” Walters told NRL.com. “Teddy will get his opportunity next week. He’s had a good week’s rest.”
Walters said of the halves: “Sam, I’m just resting him this week. He’ll play next week, and Tommy’s a fix-it man – he could find himself in the game in any position.”
Read more: Kangaroos Team Named: Walsh Picked Over Tedesco, Moses at Halfback
Debutants and returning stars
Dolphins winger Jack Bostock and Bulldogs back-rower Jacob Preston will make their Kangaroos debuts in the starting side, while South Sydney’s David Fifita is on the bench and will become Kangaroo No.865 if he takes the field. Fifita previously represented Tonga at the 2022 World Cup.
Tom Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell are back in the green and gold after missing the 2025 Ashes tour. Walsh will start his fourth consecutive Test at fullback, and AAP reported it will be his first game in two months after an ankle injury.
Read more: James Tedesco to Play Fiji as Walters Keeps Kangaroos No.1 Open
Moses, who played for Lebanon at the 2017 and 2022 World Cups before switching to Australia in 2024, said the Kangaroos’ depth in the halves was a strength. “We pretty much have four of the best halves in the world,” he said. “I think it’s healthy competition.”
Kiwis hand debuts to Ponga and Gagai
Kiwis coach Stacey Jones has given Test debuts to Newcastle pair Ponga and Dane Gagai, NRL.com reported. Ponga, who has represented the Māori All Stars three times, starts at fullback. Gagai, 35, played seven Tests for Australia, the last in 2018, and AAP reported he gained clearance for the eligibility switch weeks out from the tournament, making him one of the oldest debutants in Kiwis history.
Jahrome Hughes returns at halfback alongside Dolphins five-eighth Kodi Nikorima. “Jahrome has been part of the squad for quite some time, and the last couple of years he’s had injuries that have kept him out,” Jones said. “And I think Kodi’s had a fantastic year… I think his footy is just too good to keep him out.”
James Fisher-Harris captains a big New Zealand pack with Joseph Tapine and Moses Leota, while Naufahu Whyte starts on the bench. Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland is suspended, so Jeremy Marshall-King wears No.9.
Key stats
- The Kangaroos have won their last 18 World Cup games.
- The Kiwis have not beaten the Kangaroos on Australian soil since 2015.
- The Kangaroos are undefeated in Sydney since 2006.
- Kiwis centre Casey McLean has scored eight tries in four Test appearances.
- Kangaroos forward Cameron Murray has scored seven tries in his last eight Tests.
Stats: NRL.com, supplied by League Information Services.
Kangaroos team
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)
Interchange: 14. Tom Dearden, 15. Cameron Murray, 16. Reuben Cotter, 17. Keaon Koloamatangi, 18. David Fifita, 19. Bradman Best
Reserves: 20. Blayke Brailey, 21. James Tedesco, 22. Sam Walker, 23. Lindsay Smith
Kiwis team
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
Interchange: 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Naufahu Whyte, 16. Erin Clark, 17. Xavier Willison
Reserves: 18. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 19. Keano Kini, 20. Scott Sorensen, 21. Leo Thompson, 22. Jacob Laban
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