Key events
Team News
Australia: Kevin Walters has signalled that Reece Walsh is winning the race for Australia’s No 1 jersey after the Queenslander was selected at fullback ahead of New South Welshman James Tedesco. The other crucial decision has fallen the way of Tom Dearden, with the Cowboy edging out halfback rival Sam Walker.
Up front, Walters has reverted to the forward pack that started against New Zealand in round one, suggesting places remain up for grabs in the engine room. The only figure to miss out through injury is Cameron Murray, who was a late withdrawal from the bench.
Cook Islands: Just the one change to Karmichael Hunt’s squad, and it’s an enforced one, with last week’s hat-trick hero Esom Ioka missing out with injury. Esan Marsters comes off the interchange and onto the wing with Pride Petterson-Robati moving onto the bench. There’s also a shuffle in the starting XIII with Chaev Kolone taking the No 11 jersey from Amare Milford.
Cook Islands XIII
1. Valentine Holmes 2. Cameron Brown 3. KL Iro (c) 4. Reubenn Rennie 5. Esan Marsters 6. Maui Winitana-Patelesio 7. Brad Takairangi 8. Davvy Moale 9. Ruatapu Ngatikaura 10. Rhys Dakin 11. Chaev Kolone 12. Delahia Wigmore 13. Mason Teague.
Interchange: 14. David Tuariki 15. Makahesi Makatoa 16. Pride Petterson-Robati 17. Amare Milford 18. K-Ci Newton-Whare 19. Glassie Glassie
Australia XIII
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 Grant 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Jacob Preston 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo (c).
Interchange: 14. Ethan Strange 15. Keaon Koloamatangi 17. Reuben Cotter 18. Lindsay Smith 19. James Tedesco 22. David Fifita
Preamble
Jonathan Howcroft
Hello everybody and welcome to live coverage of Australia v Cook Islands in the 2026 men’s Rugby League World Cup. Kick-off at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville is from 7.05pm local time (8.05pm AEDT/9.05am GMT).
The hosts and favourites have been unconvincing in their two victories so far but they are still just 80 minutes away from topping Pool A and reaching the semi-finals. Against a Cook Islands side that has already lost to New Zealand and Fiji, the assignment for the Kangaroos is to find some form ahead of a far sterner task next weekend against either Tonga or Samoa.
Of particular note this evening will be the battle for the No 1 and No 7 jerseys. Reece Walsh and Tom Dearden have been given the nod by Kevin Walters but either could play their way out of the side with James Tedesco and Sam Walker nipping at their heels. Walters will also be eager for a reaction from his pack after consecutive humblings.
This is the Kangaroos’ final tune-up before the serious action begins. It is an opportunity that cannot be wasted.
I’ll be back with final team lists and more shortly. Please send me your emails and keep me company throughout the evening. The address is jonathan.howcroft.freelance@theguardian.com.
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