Walsh retakes fullback spot as Kangaroos aim for complete performance in final showing before world cup semis

Jarred Cross Published October 27, 2026 at 3.30pm (AWST)

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The Kangaroos and Jillaroos have named their sides for this weekend's final pool games at the world cup. Image: JAMES GOURLEY/AAP

Reece Walsh will return to fullback for the Kangaroos' final world cup pool stage game against the Cook Islands this weekend, as coach Kevin Walters insists on producing an 80 minute performance following a pair of wins a little too close for comfort to start their campaign.

Walsh, alongside Latrell Mitchell, didn't play part in Australia's 36-22 win over Fiji on Sunday night, in which they twice trailed — once midway through the first half when the Bati crossed for their second try, and again 16-12 early in the second half before an obstruction cost the underdogs a 10 point lead with 33 minutes on the clock.

Bradman Best and David Fifita debuted in the contest.

Fifita falls out of the side to face Cook Islands in Townsville on Saturday, with Mitchell moving from the reserve bench to number 21 jumper while Best retains his place next to Kotoni Staggs in the centres.

Reuben Cotter is set to play, but not as starting lock, while Walsh slots back into fullback after making way for James Tedesco against Fiji.

The two no.1s continue to battle it out for a solidified spot in the side.

Walsh was made to wait for his debut in the green and gold before making a statement in last year's Ashes. On debut back at home he went toe-to-toe and just edged out Kiwis fullback Kalyn Ponga in a blockbuster matchup.

Same jersey. Same job. One more pool game to get 🦘🇦🇺 https://t.co/I5SNnJQPm8
— Australian Kangaroos (@Kangaroos) October 27, 2026

Tedesco starred on return, as captain, with three try assists against Fiji.

The Kangaroos coach, speaking post-match said "I wouldn't call it a headache because it's a great situation to be in, to have two of the best fullbacks in the game available for us," on having the previous two Clive Churchill medallists at his disposal.

"They just keep producing. We will have a chat and get some decisions made around that for next week," Walters added.

While unbeaten, it's been a less than easy progression through the opening two games in pursuit of a fourth-straight world cup trophy.

A 76th minute try to seal a hattrick for debutant winger Jack Bostock was all that separated Australia and New Zealand when they kicked off the tournament two weeks ago.

It was another hattrick, for Tom Trbojevic, that resisted a scare from Fiji in front of 41,000 at Suncorp.

The world cup has otherwise come under some scrutiny for lopsided score-lines between dominant and participating nations, in both the men's and women's draw.

"There has been a lot of positives in what the team has produced in the tournament so far against some strong opposition, but we are looking to build on that with an 80-minute performance on Saturday night," Walters said on naming his side on Tuesday.

"We know that anyone we come up against is going to rise to the occasion of playing the Kangaroos, but we will continue focussing on our own game and building towards the knock-out stage of the tournament."

Australia has booked their spot in the semis while the Cook Islands are winless on the Pool A table.

2022 finalists Samoa and Tonga are both unbeaten in the combined Pools B and C.

The Jillaroos are similarly eyeing a continued dominance at the world cup.

Yet to concede a single after putting on 40 and 78 points against Samoa and England, respectively, they'll face Wales in Parramatta on Sunday afternoon.

Barkindji & Ngapuhi/Ngāti Hine coach Jess Skinner has made a number of changes from the weekend's win over England, and will be without gun centre Julia Robinson for the remainder of the world cup, after dislocating her wrist in Perth.

Chasing her first World Cup, back-to-back Dally M Medallist and Barada fullback Tamika Upton remains in the side alongside Indigenous All Stars Jaime Chapman on the wing and forwards Keilee Joseph, Shaylee Bent and Olivia Kernick.