Australia Names Rugby League World Cup Squad

Penrith star Isaah Yeo was named captain for Australia's defence of their Rugby League World Cup title. Yeo will delay pectoral surgery to lead the team out in their group stage opener in Sydney against New Zealand on October 16.

Coach Kevin Walters included six debutants in a 23-man squad for the tournament. Walters said he was happy with the balance of the squad, citing their strike power, experience, size, power and speed.

Latrell Mitchell returns to the team after being sidelined for three-and-a-half months with a debilitating nerve injury. Mitchell is set for his first Kangaroos appearance since the 2022 World Cup final, where he scored a double in Australia's 30-10 victory over Samoa.

Other notable returns include James Tedesco, who earned a recall after leading the Sydney Roosters to Australia's National Rugby League title, and Manly outside back Tom Trbojevic. The team will face a tough competition, with Walters saying the amount of talent spread across the top nations is unprecedented.

The tournament features 10 teams, with Australia in Group A alongside New Zealand, Fiji and the Cook Islands. England headlines Group B with Samoa and Lebanon, while Tonga, Papua New Guinea and France fill out Group C.

Yeo said he would only put his hand up if he thought he could contribute and perform at the level needed for the country. Walters is leaving the job after the World Cup to take over at English powerhouse St Helens.

The Australian squad includes Bradman Best, Jack Bostock, Blayke Brailey, Patrick Carrigan, Lindsay Collins, Reuben Cotter, Tom Dearden, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, David Fifita, Harry Grant, Keaon Koloamatangi, Liam Martin, Latrell Mitchell, Mitchell Moses and Cameron Munster.