Isaah Yeo delays surgery to captain Australia in Rugby League World Cup as Sam Walker named in squad

Isaah Yeo will delay pectoral surgery to be captain for Australia’s Rugby League World Cup campaign, after coach Kevin Walters announced a 23-man squad that includes Sydney Roosters halfback Sam Walker.

Fresh off NRL premiership glory, Walker, who is one of six debutants in the squad, will be locked in a four-way battle with Cameron Munster, Tom Dearden and Mitchell Moses for a spot in the Kangaroos’ halves.

Walker is one of six debutants name in the squad that will take part in the home tournament starting with Australia v New Zealand on 15 October in Sydney.

Brisbane star Reece Walsh was also selected in Walters’ squad and will compete with Clive Churchill medallist James Tedesco for the fullback role.

Latrell Mitchell has also returned to the Test team after battling injuries over recent seasons.

“I’m really happy with the balance of the squad,” Walters said.

“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.”

Sydney Rooster’s women’s captain, Isabelle Kelly, will lead the Jillaroos for the first time, as coach Jess Skinner also named her 23-player squad on Monday.

The NRLW premiership-winning Roosters have eight players in the team, including potential debutants Sariah Paki and Jocelyn Kelleher.

North Queensland Cowboys prop Makenzie Weale is the third uncapped player, while grand finalists Brisbane Broncos have contributed three players including three-time Dally M medallist Tamika Upton.

The Women’s Rugby League World Cup kicks off on 16 October with the hosts facing Samoa at CommBank Stadium in Sydney.

Kangaroos squad: Isaah Yeo (captain), Bradman Best, Jack Bostock, Blake Brailey, Pat Carrigan, Lindsay Collins, Reuben Cotter, Tom Dearden, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, David Fifita, Harry Grant, Keaon Koloamatangi, Liam Martin, Latrell Mitchell, Mitchell Moses, Cam Munster, Cam Murray, Jacob Preston, Kotoni Staggs, James Tedesco, Tom Trbojevic, Sam Walker, Reece Walsh.