Australia names World Cup squad with injured captain Isaah Yeo

Australia’s 23-man Rugby League World Cup squad features four players from the recent grand final, including captain Isaah Yeo, who led the team despite a ruptured pectoral muscle. Two unexpected selections, Latrell Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic, join the roster, while Bradman Best, Lindsay Collins, James Tedesco, and Sam Walker round out the grand final participants. Several other players who stood out during the finals series also earned spots.

Reece Walsh, who missed part of the regular season due to injury, will be available for the tournament’s opening match. Additional selections from the finals series include Blayke Brailey, Reuben Cotter, Tom Dearden, David Fifita, Keaon Koloamatangi, Liam Martin, Cameron Murray, and Yeo himself. Fifita earns his first international call-up, alongside Jack Bostock. Best, Preston, and Brailey previously toured with Australia in last year’s Ashes series, while Walker completes the group of six players without prior Kangaroos experience.

Yeo, who will likely need surgery delaying his return until early 2025, called representing his country the highest honor in rugby league. “I only put my hand up for selection if I felt I could add to the team,” he said. His decision to play through injury highlights the squad’s depth, though it carries risks for his long-term availability.

Notable omissions include Selwyn Cobbo, who excelled for the Dolphins and Queensland in the Origin series, along with Campbell Graham, Matt Burton, Mitch Barnett, Tom Flegler, Lindsay Smith, Tallis Duncan, and Max Plath. The Kangaroos have also named three shadow players: Ethan Strange, Hamish Stewart, and Thomas Jenkins, the latter being the team’s top try-scorer this season.