Sydney Roosters teammates Sam Walker and James Tedesco are set to feature in a reconfigured Australian Kangaroos lineup for their Rugby League World Cup match against Fiji at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Sunday. The squad adjustments come after the Kangaroos’ narrow 24-22 victory over New Zealand on Thursday.
Coach Kevin Walters announced multiple changes to the side following the tournament's opening win. Mitchell Moses, initially the first-choice halfback, was ruled out of the competition due to a calf injury sustained against the Kiwis. His absence has opened the door for Walker to solidify his position as halfback. Walters has called up Canberra’s Ethan Strange to replace Moses in the squad. Strange, a five-eighth, offers utility options across centre positions, although it remains uncertain if he will see playing time against Fiji after Tom Dearden impressed in the five-eighth role when he deputized for Moses.
For the upcoming match, Dearden is expected to partner with Walker in the halves. Tedesco, who was selected on the wing, will don the No.1 jersey after Walters decided to give Brisbane Broncos star Reece Walsh his initial opportunity in that role. Tedesco has not represented Australia since the Kangaroos’ heavy 30-0 loss to New Zealand in the 2023 Pacific Championships final. Since then, the 33-year-old former captain has experienced a career resurgence, culminating in winning the 2025 Dally M Medal, leading the Roosters to a premiership, and reclaiming his place in New South Wales’ State of Origin team.
Other players expected to make their Kangaroos debut off the bench include Newcastle’s Bradman Best and South Sydney Rabbitohs forward David Fifita, both of whom did not see game time in the opening fixture. Penrith forward Lindsay Smith, who made his international debut during last year’s Ashes series, could also feature in his first representative match of 2026.
Meanwhile, there is uncertainty surrounding Tonga’s Latu Fainu, whose potential selection for the No.6 jersey was thwarted by injury concerns. Fainu, who impressed during Tonga’s 3-12 upset victory over England on Saturday, left the field after 17 minutes with a suspected pectoral strain. Reports indicate he struggled to move his left arm following the game, and he may be sidelined for the duration of the tournament. Tu’i Lolohea, a Huddersfield five-eighth and former Wests Tigers and New Zealand Warriors player, replaced Fainu during the match. Junior Amone, currently awaiting a return to professional competition, remains on standby within Kristian Woolf’s Tonga squad.
Tonga’s next World Cup game will be against Lebanon at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium on Friday.