The Kangaroos' selection for the World Cup is a hot topic, with every position up for grabs and a three-way battle for one spot. In my opinion, the most intriguing aspect of this selection process is the competition for the fullback position. Reece Walsh, the incumbent, has only played limited minutes of Origin football, but his ability to turn a game on its head in an instant makes him a strong contender. However, the real battle is between Walsh, Dylan Edwards, and James Tedesco, with each player bringing unique skills to the table. Personally, I think that the Kangaroos coach, Kevin Walters, will lean towards loyalty and stick with Walsh, especially considering that his two biggest threats will represent different nations.
Moving on to the wingers, the Kangaroos will be forced into at least making one change due to the unavailability of Mark Nawaqanitawase and Xavier Coates. Selwyn Cobbo has emerged as a must-pick after a spectacular opening two matches in the 2026 Origin series, but the other spot is up for grabs with Jacob Kiraz and Jojo Fifita as the frontrunners. However, Kiraz is set to represent Lebanon, leaving Fifita as the leading candidate to claim the vacant wing spot and partner Cobbo.
In the centres, Kotoni Staggs remains in line to retain his spot, but Gehamat Shibasaki has endured a season to forget. This opens the door for Latrell Mitchell or Bradman Best to force their way into the squad. If both are fit and available, Mitchell appears the more likely option due to his ability to change a game in an instant.
At five-eighth, Cameron Munster may have had an underwhelming 2026 Origin season, but his ability to produce moments of brilliance when it matters most makes him a strong contender. Ethan Strange and Tom Dearden remain firmly in the mix and are expected to battle it out for the utility role on the six-man bench.
In the halfback position, Nathan Cleary will be the first selection after winning the 2026 Wally Lewis Medal. However, he will face genuine competition from Sam Walker, who has made enormous strides since Origin started. Both players' clubs are likely to feature in the finals, so this Origin game will have a significant bearing on some Kangaroos selections.
Moving on to the props, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has continued to play for Australia despite rumours he'll one day switch to Samoa. If he stays with Australia for the World Cup, he'll be picked in the front row along with Patrick Carrigan. Lindsay Collins and Lindsay Smith will challenge for bench spots along with Mitchell Barnett and Keaon Koloamatangi.
In the hooker position, Harry Grant will be the Australian starting hooker for the World Cup, without doubt. However, it will be interesting to see who is the back-up, with Reece Robson ruled out due to his need to be crafty out of dummy half against tiring forwards. Ben Hunt's time has come and gone, and Api Koroisau's time is also likely to be up.
In the second-row, Angus Crichton won't be available due to his defection to rugby union, but Hudson Young and Liam Martin should be the Australian backrowers for the opening Test of the World Cup. Martin expressed his love for partnering Young in the back row after the Origin triumph.
Finally, in the lock position, Isaah Yeo will be the captain and lock, with Cameron Murray's Origin series arguably better than Yeo's. Max Plath adds a lot of versatility which could help him force his way into the squad.
In conclusion, the Kangaroos' selection for the World Cup is a hot topic, with every position up for grabs and a lot of competition. However, the real battle is for the fullback position, with Reece Walsh, Dylan Edwards, and James Tedesco each bringing unique skills to the table. In my opinion, the Kangaroos coach, Kevin Walters, will lean towards loyalty and stick with Walsh, but the final decision will be made based on the players' performances in the coming months.
