Kangaroos Set For Shock Selections in RLWC Opener v New Zealand

Australia coach Kevin Walters could be preparing to make a major selection call ahead of the Kangaroos’ Rugby League World Cup opener, with Reece Walsh reportedly moving ahead of James Tedesco in the battle for the fullback position.

According to CODE Sports journalist Tyson Jackson, Walsh is on track to win the starting No.1 jersey despite missing the closing stages of the NRL season with an ankle injury.

The report also suggests Newcastle Knights centre Bradman Best has been training on the wing as Australia finalises its side for Thursday night’s blockbuster against New Zealand.

With the World Cup getting underway, Walters has some difficult decisions to make as he attempts to balance form, experience and the need to build a winning combination.

The biggest selection question surrounding Australia has been whether Walters would restore Walsh to the fullback role or select Sydney Roosters premiership hero Tedesco.

Walsh was the incumbent after starring during Australia's Ashes campaign last year, but his hopes of retaining the jersey were complicated by a syndesmosis ankle injury suffered while playing for Brisbane.

The 24-year-old underwent surgery and has spent recent weeks working towards being fit for the World Cup.

Tedesco, meanwhile, strengthened his case with a superb finals campaign, culminating in winning the Clive Churchill Medal after the Roosters' grand final victory over Newcastle.

However, Jackson's selection report suggests Walsh has edged ahead following Australia's training sessions.

The decision would be a significant show of faith from Walters, who has previously spoken about the importance of rewarding players who have served the Kangaroos well.

Walsh offers explosive speed, attacking creativity and the ability to create opportunities from broken play. Tedesco brings experience, reliability and an exceptional ability to support teammates around the ball.

If Walsh gets the nod, Tedesco could still play an important role throughout the tournament, with his experience making him a valuable option in the squad.

Walsh had a very poor 2026 season, his selection over Tedesco has come as a HUGE shock.

Another intriguing development is Best training on the wing as Australia considers its outside-back combinations.

Best was selected after an outstanding finals series for Newcastle, but he is naturally a centre. His potential deployment on the wing would allow Walters to use his powerful running and ability to break tackles in a different role.

Kotoni Staggs is expected to feature at centre, while Tom Trbojevic and Jack Bostock are reportedly set to start on the wings.

Walters must decide whether to favour specialist wingers or use the versatility and power of players such as Best and Trbojevic.

The final decision could have a significant impact on Australia's attacking shape and defensive combinations.

The halves are another major area of interest following Nathan Cleary's absence from the tournament through injury.

Cameron Munster is expected to wear the No.6 jersey, with Mitchell Moses and Sam Walker competing for the starting halfback role.

Moses offers organisational control and a strong kicking game, while Walker brings creativity and an ability to attack the defensive line.

Tom Dearden is another option who can cover the halves, giving Walters flexibility if changes are required during the tournament.

The choice of halfback will be particularly important against New Zealand, with Australia needing to establish control early in a match expected to test both teams physically.

Munster's experience will be crucial regardless of who partners him, particularly as the Kangaroos attempt to integrate several potential Test debutants into the side.

Australia's forward pack appears to be taking a more settled shape, with Isaah Yeo expected to lead the team from lock despite carrying a pectoral injury.

Yeo has delayed surgery to captain the Kangaroos, underlining his importance to the side.

Pat Carrigan and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui are expected to feature prominently in the middle, while Liam Martin is likely to provide aggression and work rate on an edge.

Canterbury's Jacob Preston is another player pushing for a starting role after earning selection in the squad.

David Fifita and Cameron Murray could provide impact from the interchange, offering Walters different options through the middle and on the edges.

Australia's depth in the forwards gives the coach several ways to manage the game, particularly if the opening encounter against New Zealand becomes a physical contest.

Australia opens its Rugby League World Cup campaign against New Zealand on Thursday, October 15, with the clash set to be one of the tournament's biggest early fixtures.

Walters has a talented 23-man squad at his disposal, but the final team will reveal how he intends to balance established internationals with the younger players pushing for opportunities.

Walsh's reported advantage over Tedesco is the headline selection story, while Best's training role adds another layer of intrigue to the backline.

Neither development should be treated as final confirmation until the official team is announced.

For now, the Kangaroos' training sessions have offered an indication of Walters' thinking and the possibility of a major selection call before Australia begins its World Cup campaign.

Here is Australia's predicted starting 13 based on the current reporting: