Sam Walker tops off NRL glory with Kangaroos call-up for Rugby League World Cup

Isaah Yeo will delay pectoral surgical procedure to be captain for Australia’s Rugby League World Cup marketing campaign, after coach Kevin Walters introduced a 23-man squad that features Sydney Roosters halfback Sam Walker.

Fresh off NRL premiership glory, Walker shall be locked in a four-way battle with Cameron Munster, Tom Dearden and Mitchell Moses for a spot within the Kangaroos’ halves.

Walker is one in every of six debutants named within the squad that can participate within the dwelling event beginning with Australia v New Zealand on 15 October in Sydney.

Brisbane star Reece Walsh was additionally chosen in Walters’ squad and can compete with Clive Churchill medallist James Tedesco for the fullback function.

Latrell Mitchell has additionally returned to the Test workforce after battling accidents over latest seasons.

“I’m actually proud of the steadiness of the squad,” Walters mentioned.

“We have some actual strike energy and a major quantity of expertise, together with dimension, energy and pace.

“This shall be an enormous take a look at. I’ve by no means earlier than seen the quantity of expertise unfold throughout the highest nations. We are going to must be at our greatest to take out the World Cup.”

Sydney Roosters’ ladies’s captain, Isabelle Kelly, will lead the Jillaroos for the primary time, as coach Jess Skinner additionally named her 23-player squad on Monday.

The NRLW premiership-winning Roosters have eight gamers within the workforce, together with potential debutants Sariah Paki and Jocelyn Kelleher.

North Queensland Cowboys prop Makenzie Weale is the third uncapped participant, whereas grand finalists Brisbane Broncos have contributed three gamers together with three-time Dally M medallist Tamika Upton.

The Women’s Rugby League World Cup kicks off on 16 October with the hosts dealing with Samoa at CommBank Stadium in Sydney.

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

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