Sports · Other Sports · 2 hrs ago
Walsh starts at fullback as Australia face Cook Islands in final pool game
Australia are closing out their Rugby League World Cup pool stage against the Cook Islands in Townsville.
The Kangaroos entered the match undefeated after beating New Zealand 24-22 and Fiji 36-22.
Reece Walsh was chosen at fullback ahead of James Tedesco, who had played in the Fiji game.
Captain Isaah Yeo said Australia wanted to settle its combinations before the knockout rounds.
Walsh set up Jack Bostock for the opening try with a long pass early in the match.
Australia were aiming to build confidence and improve their play before the tournament's knockout stage.
Reece Walsh was selected at fullback for Australia’s final Rugby League World Cup pool game against the Cook Islands.
Australia captain Isaah Yeo said the team wanted to build combinations and settle before the knockout rounds.
Walsh had played fullback in Australia’s opening game against New Zealand, while James Tedesco played there against Fiji.
The game was scheduled for Townsville on Saturday, 31 October 2026.
In the live coverage, Walsh set up Jack Bostock for the opening try.
- Who
- Australia’s Kangaroos and the Cook Islands.
- What
- Australia faced the Cook Islands in its final pool game, with Reece Walsh selected at fullback.
- When
- Saturday, 31 October 2026.
- Where
- Townsville, Australia.
- Why
- Australia was closing out its Pool A games and sought to build combinations and confidence ahead of the knockout rounds.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Isaah Yeo discussed Australia’s lineup and the value of settling the team before the knockout rounds.
Australia played the Cook Islands in Townsville in its final pool game.
Reece Walsh sent Jack Bostock over for the opening try.
- Fullback
- Reece Walsh
- Opponent
- Cook Islands
- Venue
- Townsville
- Match date
- 31 October 2026
- Opening try
- Jack Bostock, set up by Reece Walsh
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What people are saying
This team (against Cook Islands) is something we feel like we can take forward and continue to grow
You want to be settled.
We just want to walk off the field on Saturday night happy with our performance.