LEEDS-BORN Sam Walker has been selected in Australia’s World Cup squad and could be Nathan Cleary’s replacement at scrum-half for the tournament.
The Sydney Roosters star, whose father Ben played for London Broncos and Leeds Rhinos, is fresh from NRL Grand Final glory.
He will compete for the berth vacated by Dally M Medal winner Cleary, who suffered a broken ankle during the NRL play-offs, with Parramatta Eels’ Mitchell Moses.
Moses’ selection is in turn a significant blow for Lebanon, who hoped to rely on him as their chief playmaker.
Incumbent stand-off Cameron Munster and Tom Dearden complete a group of four chosen halfbacks.
James Tedesco – player of the match in the Roosters’ title win – and Reece Walsh will battle to be fullback while hooker Harry Grant and captain Isaah Yeo, the loose-forward delaying pectoral surgery to play, complete a formidable spine.
Walker is one of six uncapped players, alongside backs Bradman Best and Jack Bostock, unused Ashes hooker Blayke Brailey, and back-rowers David Fifita – formerly of Tonga – and Jacob Preston.
There is a recall for centre Latrell Mitchell, who last represented the Kangaroos in the World Cup Final win over Samoa four years ago.
Kevin Walters, who will step down as coach after the tournament to take over at St Helens, said: “A number of players have come into contention with brilliant finals series.
“I’m really happy with the balance of the squad. 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.”
Australia squad: Bradman Best (Newcastle Knights), Jack Bostock (Dolphins), Blayke Brailey (Cronulla Sharks), Patrick Carrigan (Brisbane Broncos), Lindsay Collins (Sydney Roosters), Reuben Cotter (North Queensland Cowboys), Tom Dearden (North Queensland Cowboys), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Gold Coast Titans), David Fifita (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm), Keaon Koloamatangi (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Liam Martin (Penrith Panthers), Latrell Mitchell (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Mitchell Moses (Parramatta Eels), Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm), Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Jacob Preston (Canterbury Bulldogs), Kotoni Staggs (Brisbane Broncos), James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters), Tom Trbojevic (Manly Sea Eagles), Sam Walker (Sydney Roosters), Reece Walsh (Brisbane Broncos), Isaah Yeo (Penrith Panthers).
