Reece Walsh appears to be the frontrunner to wear the number one jersey for the Rugby League World Cup knockout stages after being named to start against the Cook Islands.
The Brisbane game-breaker opened Australia’s campaign against New Zealand before veteran James Tedesco had his turn in their win over Fiji.
Both were among their team’s best players, giving Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters a selection headache.
Despite his impressive showing that included three try assists, it appears Sydney Roosters premiership captain Tedesco may have paid the price for the Kangaroos’ below-par showing in their 36-22 win over Fiji last Sunday.
He has been named on the bench, with Walters turning back to Walsh for his side’s final pool game.
With the unbeaten hosts needing to stiffen their defence across the park, Tom Dearden has won the race to partner Cameron Munster in a third halves pairing, with Sam Walker relegated to the reserves.
Walker has been in the headlines since the Fiji match, with his Roosters outfit withdrawing their contract offer.
Walters has recalled rested forwards including skipper Isaah Yeo and his battle-hardened Penrith teammate Liam Martin, who will line up in the second row alongside Jacob Preston, who came off the bench against Fiji.
After coming off the bench against Fiji, who made easy metres through the middle in a gallant defeat, Pat Carrigan and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui are back in the starting pack.
David Fifita and Keaon Koloamatangi have been demoted for the clash in Townsville.
Centre Bradman Best did enough in his first Kangaroos match to keep his spot ahead of Latrell Mitchell.
Ethan Strange, who replaced the injured Mitchell Moses in the squad, is set to make his Test debut after being named on the six-man bench in the number 14 jumper.
Kangaroos team (1-13):
1: Reece Walsh; 2: Jack Bostock; 3: Kotoni Staggs; 4: Bradman Best; 5: Tom Trbojevic; 6: Cameron Munster; 7: Tom Dearden; 8: Patrick Carrigan; 9: Harry Grantr; 10: Tino Fa’asuamaleauai; 11: Jacob Preston; 12: Liam Martin; 13: Isaah Yeo (C)
Reserves:
14: Ethan Strange; 15: Keaon Koloamatangi; 16: Cameron Murray; 17: Reuben Cotter; 18: Lindsay Smith; 19: James Tedesco; 20: Sam Walker; 21: Latrell Mitchell; 22: David Fifita; 23: Blayke Brailey
Robinson ruled out of tournament for Jillaroos
Julia Robinson scored one of Australia’s 15 tries against England, but the Jillaroo will miss the rest of the tournament with a dislocated wrist. (Getty Images: Janelle St Pierre)
The Jillaroos also named their team for their next game at the Rugby League World Cup, with star centre Julia Robinson ruled out of the tournament.
Robinson dislocated her wrist in Saturday’s 78-0 win over England. Scans ruled out a fracture, but confirmed ligament damage.
The Jillaroos will face Wales in Sydney on Sunday. Robinson was replaced in the extended squad by Canberra’s Sheridan Gallagher.
Jess Sergis comes into the centres, while Jesse Southwell was named at five-eighth alongside Tarryn Aiken. Makenzie Weale and Sariah Paki move from the bench into the starting forward pack.
Jillaroos team (1-13):
1: Tamika Upton; 2: Jaime Chapman; 3: Isabelle Kelly; 4: Jess Sergis; 5: Abbi Church; 6: Jesse Southwell; 7: Tarryn Aiken; 8: Ellie Johnston; 9: Quincy Dodd; 10: Makenzie Weale; 11: Kezie Apps; 12: Sariah Peki; 13: Olivia Kernick
Reserves:
14: Keeley Nizza; 15: Keilee Joseph; 16: Sarah Togatuki; 17: Tiana Penitany Gray; 18: Shaylee Bent; 19: Olivia Higgins; 20: Millie Elliott; 21: Jocelyn Kelleher; 22: Sheridan Gallagher
AAP/ABC
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