Indigenous stars feature strongly in Australian squads for rugby league World Cup

Jarred Cross Published October 5, 2026 at 11.30am (AWST)

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The Kangaroos and Jillaroos have locked in their squads defending their World Cup titles. (Pictured: Reece Walsh in 2025's Ashes). Image: AP Photo

First Nations stars feature heavily, with potential debutants amongst them, in Australia's squads named for a home rugby league World Cup beginning next week.

Bradman Best and David Fifita are among a group of six in line to run out for Kangaroos debuts at the tournament as named in Kevin Walters' squad on Monday.

Maroons mainstay Reuben Cotter, alongside Reece Walsh, Kotoni Staggs and 2022 World Cup winner Latrell Mitchell are also in the squad.

Chasing four-straight world champion titles, Indigenous players Jaime Chapman, Shaylee Bent, Quincy Dodd, Keilee Joseph, Tamika Upton and fresh off last night's grand final triumph Olivia Kernick, feature in Barkindji and Ngapuhi-Ngāti Hine coach Jess Skinner's Jillaroos group.

Bent was in the side who hosted the trophy in Manchester after a dominant 54-4 win over New Zealand four years ago.

*Shaylee Bent scores at the 2022 tournament in the UK. Image: Tim Goode (PA/Alamy).*

Back-to-back Dally M Medallist Upton missed the 2022 campaign with injury.

"To be selected to represent Australia at a Rugby League World Cup is one of the highest honours in our game, and every player named in this squad has earned the opportunity through their performances, consistency and the way they contribute to the team," Skinner said on Monday.

"Selection was incredibly competitive and there were some very difficult decisions, but we believe this group gives us the balance, and versatility we need for a World Cup campaign.

"What excites me most is the mix of experience and emerging talent, and the different strengths each player brings. We now have the responsibility to come together, represent the jersey with pride and make the most of the opportunity to play a World Cup on home soil."

The Jillaroos will go into the World Cup as heavy favourites. The national side has lost just two games in the last decade.

For the Kangaroos, Best, who's featured around Australian team squads without making a debut, is the Knights sole inclusion in the 23-player list.

On Sunday the centre fell just short of a premiership in a 19-18 loss to Roosters following a fairytale journey to the decider.

He returned to the Origin arena with the Blues this year.

*Best is Newcastle's only player named in Kevin Walters' team. Image: Darren England (AAP).*

At the weekend, Fifita led the Prime Minister's XIII to a 60-10 win over Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby.

PNG will also play World Cup hosts, alongside Australia and New Zealand from later this month.

"A number of players have come into contention with brilliant Finals Series," Kangaroos coach Walters said.

"I'm really happy with the balance of the squad. We have some real strike power and a significant amount of experience, along with size, power and speed.

"This will be a huge Test. I have never before seen the amount of talent spread across the top nations. We are going to need to be at our best to take out the World Cup."

In line with trends in recent years, a number of players eligible to play for Australia have opted to represent their cultural heritage further afar.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow earlier flagged his intentions to run out with 2022 finalists Samoa, and features in the nation's men's squad.