Big mystery remains as Walters names Kangaroos squad

Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters has unveiled his squad for the Rugby League World Cup, leaving plenty of mystery around his playmakers.

With champion halfback Nathan Cleary sidelined due to a leg injury, Walters has selected Sam Walker, Mitchell Moses, Tom Dearden and Cameron Munster in the 23-man squad, with all four men to battle for positions.

Sam Walker after winning Sunday’s grand final. Getty Images

Munster will likely play five-eighth, which leaves a three-way shootout for the No.7 jumper between Walker, Moses and Dearden.

Walters has also picked two specialist fullbacks in Reece Walsh and James Tedesco – fresh off an emotional Clive Churchill Medal win after the Roosters’ premiership victory – in his wider playing group for the tournament.

Walsh missed the end of the year with the Broncos due to injury, but has been cleared and remains a chance of retaining the No.1 jersey.

Panthers captain Isaah Yeo will lead the side for the World Cup, despite playing the back-end of the NRL season with a ruptured pectoral muscle.

“There’s no higher honour in the game ... my plan all along was if I got back to Penrith and it was travelling all right, then I would leave myself open for selection,” Yeo told media on Monday morning.

“It’s feeling good and I would only put my hand up if I felt like I could contribute to the side and perform at the level for our country.”

Yeo said he would get surgery after his Kangaroos’ commitments finished, which could see him miss the start of the 2027 season with Penrith.

Another big selection call from Walters was bringing Latrell Mitchell into the squad, fresh off an injury-disrupted season with the Rabbitohs.

“His end to the season was great for South Sydney and he’s a big-game player and he can do some special things,” the Australian coach said.

“My conversations with him for the last 16 months have been nothing but positive and he’s looking forward to putting the green and gold back on.”

It comes after Roosters centre Robert Toia pledged his allegiance to Tonga for the World Cup, snubbing the chance to play for the Kangaroos.

Mark Nawaqanitawase and Robert Toia celebrate grand final glory. Getty Images

Perhaps the most surprising omission was Selwyn Cobbo, who starred on the wing for Queensland during the State of Origin series and won the Dally M positional award for his efforts in club land with the Dolphins.

Walters has not selected any specialist wingers in the main squad, with Jack Bostock and Tom Trbojevic the likely candidates to play out wide.

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

Shadow players: Tom Jenkins, Hamish Stewart, Ethan Strange

Isabelle Kelly (c), Tarryn Aiken, Kezie Apps, Shaylee Bent, Abbi Church, Jaime Chapman, Quincy Dodd, Millie Elliott, Olivia Higgins, Ellie Johnston, Keilee Joseph, Jocelyn Kelleher, Olivia Kernick, Keeley Nizza, Sariah Paki, Tiana Penitani Gray, Julia Robinson, Jessica Sergis, Jesse Southwell, Simaima Taufa, Sarah Togatuki, Tamika Upton, Makenzie Weale

“I just thought of missing out on being a part of a special team, and (Tonga) has what it takes to win the World Cup,” Toia told AAP after Sunday’s grand final.

“I’d be stupid to not want to be a part of it. I back myself to be in contention to play for Australia in any other year. I’d still love to achieve that Australian dream but I feel like I’ve still got so much footy to play and I still back myself.”

The men’s tournament kicks off on October 15 when Australia takes on New Zealand.

Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner has also named her squad for the women’s World Cup, with retiring forward Millie Elliott selected but legend Ali Brigginshaw overlooked.