Best and Fifita to make Kangaroos debuts, Dodd back for Jillaroos as teams look to continue winning ways at World Cup

Jarred Cross Published October 21, 2026 at 1.00pm (AWST)

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Bradman Best (pictured in camp) and David Fifita will make their Kangaroos debuts against Fiji on the weekend. Image: Darren England (AAP).

David Fifita and Bradman Best's wait for a first cap in an Australian jumper is over, with the pair amongst four debutants to run out against Fiji on Sunday night.

Coming off a two-point win in a blockbuster start to the Rugby League World Cup last Thursday, Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters has dived deeper into his squad for the second match of their campaign.

Roosters half Sam Walker and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks hooker Blayke Brailey will also make their debuts at Suncorp Stadium in Magandjin.

It's not Fifita's, 26, first campaign at a World Cup. The Tongan and Badu Island man ran out for Mate Ma'a Tonga at the 2022 tournament, with a career revival at Souths earning him the chance at becoming a dual-international.

Fifita earlier this month captained the Prime Minister's XIII against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby. That game featured Best.

*Fifita led the Prime Minister's XIII in Papua New Guinea three weeks ago. Image: PR Handout*

The Newcastle and NSW centre toured with the Kangaroos to England for last year's Ashes Series without playing a first game.

Best, 25, will pair with Kotoni Staggs in the Kangaroos centres as Latrell Mitchell moves to the extended bench.

Reuben Cotter holds his spot to join with Fifita in the second row, while Reece Walsh makes way for James Tedesco's return in the no.1 jumper.

"Fiji have shown what they are capable of with a good performance in their opening game and we know they'll come out hard and fast on Sunday. We're expecting another physical contest, and we'll be prepared to meet that challenge," Walters said on Tuesday.

"We're very keen to see what some of the new faces in the team can bring. Each of them has earned the opportunity to pull on the Kangaroos jersey and they have a chance to put their best foot forward for the remainder of the tournament with a strong performance on Sunday."

Fiji looked good in a 40-12 win over Cook Islands at the weekend.

Australia's third pool match will be against the Cook Islands on October 31.

Sharks Hooker and Indigenous All Star Quincy Dodd will get her first chance at the World Cup after coming into Jess Skinner's Jillaroos side to meet England in Boorloo / Perth on Saturday.

*Dodd played in Australia's last game against England in the US last year. Image: David Becker/AP*

The Barkindji & Ngapuhi/Ngāti Hine coach's first match in charge of the national side was their dominant 90-4 over England in Las Vegas in March 2025.

Sariah Paki and Makenzie Weale will make their debuts at HBF Stadium.

Back-to-back Dally M Medallist Tamika Upton remains at fullback after a 40-nil thumping of Samoa to start their chase at a fourth-straight World Cup Title.

Indigenous All Stars Jaime Chapman, on the wing, and forwards Shaylee Bent and Olivia Kernick will play their second games of the tournament.

Keilee Joseph has been named at 19.