Kangaroos Ring the Changes as World Cup Heavyweights Reset for Pivotal Second Week

The teams are locked in for the second week of the men’s Rugby League World Cup, with Australia coach Kevin Walters unveiling a dramatically reshaped Kangaroos spine for Sunday night’s clash with Fiji at Suncorp Stadium.

Across the round, every major nation has revealed its hand: Tonga rotate heavily from a statement win over England, Papua New Guinea and Samoa fine-tune their combinations, England stay steady after an opening loss, France refresh their playmaking, New Zealand manage minutes for senior forwards – and the Cook Islands welcome back a key strike weapon at fullback.

With pool placings and likely knockout paths shaped by this second set of fixtures, selection calls this weekend will carry consequences well beyond the 80 minutes.

Australian overhaul as Fiji stay settled

Walters has made ten changes to Australia’s line-up to face Fiji at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, a clear sign that this fixture doubles as a selection trial for the business end of the tournament.

Australia vs Fiji – Suncorp Stadium, Sunday October 25, 8:05pm AEST

• Australia’s 17: 1. James Tedesco (c) 2. Jack Bostock 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Bradman Best 5. Tom Trbojevic 6. Tom Dearden 7. Sam Walker 8. Keaon Koloamatangi 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Lindsay Smith 11. David Fifita 12. Reuben Cotter 13. Cameron Murray 14. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 15. Jacob Preston 16. Patrick Carrigan 17. Cameron Munster (18. Reece Walsh 19. Latrell Mitchell 20. Liam Martin 21. Harry Grant 22. Isaah Yeo)
• Fiji’s 17: 1. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Waqa Blake 4. Solomone Saukuru 5. Semi Valemei 6. Kurt Donoghoe 7. Brandon Wakeham 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Apisai Koroisau (c) 10. Mitchell Prest 11. Taane Milne 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Caleb Navale 14. Josese Lanyon 15. Emosi Ravosai 16. Elijah Keung 17. Ronald Philitoga (18. Jordin Leiu 19. Apenisa Driti 20. Joseph Litidamu 21. Zion Johnson 22. Kylan Mafoa)

James Tedesco replaces Reece Walsh at fullback and resumes captaincy duties, while Bradman Best comes in at centre for Latrell Mitchell. In the halves, Tom Dearden and Sam Walker form a new pairing, with Cameron Munster named on the bench and Mitchell Moses ruled out of the tournament with a leg injury.

Blayke Brailey starts at hooker in place of Harry Grant, who shifts to the extended bench. Up front, Keaon Koloamatangi and Lindsay Smith are named in a reshaped front row, while David Fifita, Reuben Cotter and Cameron Murray all move from last week’s interchange to starting back-row roles. That rotation pushes Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Jacob Preston, Patrick Carrigan, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo to the interchange or reserves.

Walters has framed Sunday’s match as an opportunity for players to secure roles “for the remainder of the tournament”, underlining how much these selections are tied to quarter-final and semi-final planning rather than just the Fiji fixture in isolation.

Fiji, by contrast, have opted for continuity. They name the same 17 that produced a comprehensive opening-round win over the Cook Islands, backing the combination of Apisai Koroisau at hooker and Brandon Wakeham in the halves and retaining the same middle-forward rotation. That stability suggests the Bati view this match as a chance to test a settled spine against a top-tier nation, a valuable benchmark in a short-format tournament where cohesion is often decisive.

New Zealand manage workload as Cook Islands regain Holmes

Sunday’s earlier match in Auckland pits a rotated New Zealand side against a Cook Islands team boosted by the return of Valentine Holmes at fullback.

New Zealand vs Cook Islands – One NZ Stadium, Sunday October 25, 4:05pm AEST

• New Zealand’s 17: 1. Keano Kini 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 4. Casey McLean 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. James Fisher-Harris (c) 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Xavier Willison 12. Scott Sorensen 13. Erin Clark 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Leo Thompson 16. Tanner Stowers-Smith 17. Jacob Laban (18. Isaiah Papali’i 19. Briton Nikora 20. Dane Gagai 21. Naufahu Whyte 22. Moses Leota)
• Cook Islands’ 1-17 (named squad numbers preserved): 1. Valentine Holmes 2. Paul Ulberg 3. KL Iro 4. Reubenn Rennie 5. Cameron Brown 6. Maui Winitana-Patelesio 7. Esan Marsters 8. Davvy Moale 9. Ruatapu Ngatikaura 10. Rhys Dakin 11. Amare Milford 12. Delahia Wigmore 13. Mason Teague 14. K-Ci Newton-Whare 15. David Tuariki 16. Makahesi Makatoa 17. Brad Takairangi (18. Chaev Kolone 19. Glassie Glassie 20. Brody Tamarua 21. Esom Ioka 22. Pride Petterson-Robati 23. Reuben Porter)

With Kalyn Ponga unavailable, New Zealand turn to Titans youngster Keano Kini at fullback, giving him a high-profile audition behind a forward pack anchored by James Fisher-Harris and Joseph Tapine. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad shifts into the centres, with Dane Gagai rested.

In the pack, Moses Leota and Naufahu Whyte are also rested. Tapine moves from lock to prop and Erin Clark starts at lock, while Briton Nikora and Isaiah Papali’i move to the bench to accommodate starting back-row roles for Xavier Willison and Scott Sorensen. Tanner Stowers-Smith and Jacob Laban are set to make their Test debuts from the interchange, reflecting a deliberate effort to broaden New Zealand’s options for later in the tournament without overloading established forwards.

For the Cook Islands, Holmes’ inclusion at fullback is the headline. The Dragons back missed the opening week with an ankle issue but now adds a proven long-kicking and finishing option to the spine, which also regains Brad Takairangi in the starting side at halfback.

Ruatapu Ngatikaura takes over at hooker, shifting Mason Teague to lock, while front-rower Rhys Dakin and back-rower Amare Milford are promoted into the starting pack after missing the first game. Against a New Zealand side managing minutes and trialling combinations, this is a critical opportunity for the Cook Islands to showcase depth and structure across the spine.

Tonga rotate from statement win as Lebanon tweak at hooker

Friday night in Sydney opens the weekend with a key pool fixture at CommBank Stadium, where Tonga face Lebanon after Tonga’s first-up victory over England.

Tonga vs Lebanon – CommBank Stadium, Friday October 23, 8:05pm AEST

• Tonga’s 17: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Sione Katoa 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Salesi Foketi 10. Stefano Utoikamanu 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Jason Taumalolo (c) 14. Soni Luke 15. Taniela Paseka 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Leka Halasima (18. Latu Fainu 19. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 20. Talatau Amone 21. Robert Toia 22. Siua Wong)
• Lebanon’s 17: 1. Jacob Kiraz 2. Tony Francis 3. Michael Gabrael 4. Jordan Samrani 5. Jason Saab 6. Khaled Rajab 7. Alex Conti 8. Jaxson Rahme 9. Moustafa Dirani 10. James Roumanos 11. Tony Sukkar 12. Mikael Ibrahim 13. Alex Twal (c) 14. Yehya Ayache 15. Tupou Francis 16. Jalal Bazzaz 17. Khalil Rahme (18. Joseph Nohra 19. Abbas Miski 20. Ibrahim El Labban 21. Mohamed Alameddine 22. Cameron Kanaan)

Tonga have “shuffled the decks” while remaining well placed to push towards the semi-finals. Latu Fainu is named on the extended bench as he recovers from a pectoral injury, with the rest seen as beneficial over a long campaign. Tuimoala Lolohea starts at five-eighth, while proven finishers Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Rob Toia are rested, allowing Sione Katoa and Paul Alamoti to start in the outside backs.

The depth of Mate Ma’a’s backline is evident in the fact that players of that calibre can be rotated without weakening the first-choice side. In the forwards, Siua Wong and Tyson Frizell are also rested, with Stefano Utoikamanu starting at prop and Jason Taumalolo moving to lock, while Kulikefu Finefeuiaki earns a start in the back row.

Lebanon make just one change, elevating Moustafa Dirani to start at hooker and moving Yehya Ayache to the bench. In a pool containing Tonga and England, the Cedars’ selection stability suggests a focus on cohesion, particularly around the ruck, where tactical kicking and defensive organisation will be critical if they are to stay in qualification contention.

Kumuls and Samoa tighten combinations in Port Moresby

Saturday afternoon’s clash in Port Moresby has strong implications for who emerges from one of the more evenly balanced groups, with Papua New Guinea and Samoa both adjusting their forward rotations and spines.

Papua New Guinea vs Samoa – Santos National Football Stadium, Saturday October 24, 3:25pm AEST

• Papua New Guinea’s 17: 1. Morea Morea 2. Robert Derby 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Nene Macdonald 5. Dudley Dotoi 6. Gairo Voro 7. Bailey Biondi-Odo 8. Epel Kapinias 9. Edwin Ipape 10. Luca Moretti 11. Rhyse Martin (c) 12. Nixon Putt 13. Jack de Belin 14. Finley Glare 15. Liam Horne 16. Valentine Richard 17. Khaiya Waiembi (18. Rodrick Tai 19. Josh Feledy 20. Sylvester Namo 21. Sanny Wabo 22. Zev John)
• Samoa’s 17: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Brian To’o 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Sualauvi Faalogo 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Jarome Luai (c) 8. Francis Molo 9. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Junior Paulo (c) 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Francis Manuleleua 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Shawn Blore 17. Ata Mariota (18. Clayton Faulalo 19. Ronald Volkman 20. Pasami Saulo 21. Enari Tuala)

The Kumuls promote Bailey Biondi-Odo and Jack de Belin into the starting side after they came from the bench last week – a move flagged internally as part of a staged build-up of minutes. Epel Kapinias also earns a start at prop, with Valentine Richard moving to the interchange. The bench is refreshed by the inclusion of Manly outside back Josh Feledy and Capras pair Rodrick Tai and Khaiya Waiembi, adding flexibility if the contest opens up late.

For Samoa, the headline omission is Deine Mariner (hamstring), which moves Sua Fa’alogo into the starting wing spot and opens a bench role for Ronald Volkman. The rest of the back five stays intact, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at fullback and Brian To’o, Izack Tago and Stephen Crichton forming a familiar combination around him.

With Junior Paulo co-captaining from the front row and Francis Molo starting opposite him, the middle battle in Port Moresby will shape not just this result but also points differential and momentum heading into the final round of group play.

England stay the course as France refresh spine and pack

Saturday’s second fixture in Perth brings together England and France at HBF Park, with England resisting calls for change after their loss to Tonga while France adjust their spine and middle rotation.

England vs France – HBF Park, Saturday October 24, 5:35pm AEST

• England’s 17: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Dominic Young 3. Hugo Savala 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Zach Eckersley 6. George Williams (c) 7. Harry Smith 8. Max King 9. Brad O’Neill 10. Luke Thompson 11. Junior Nsemba 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Victor Radley 14. Jez Litten 15. Ben Currie 16. Ethan Havard 17. Sam Walters (18. Jack Welsby 19. Matty Ashton 20. Kallum Watkins 21. Mikey Lewis 22. Ben Talty)
• France’s 17: 1. Arthur Mourgue 2. Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet 3. Latrell Siegwalt 4. Roméo Tropis 5. Benjamin Laguerre 6. Thomas Lacans 7. Théo Fages 8. Romain Navarrete 9. Amir Bourouh 10. Julian Bousquet 11. Arthur Romano 12. Mathieu Jussaume 13. Benjamin Garcia (c) 14. César Rougé 15. Lambert Belmas 16. Mathieu Cozza 17. Louis Grossemy (18. Jordan Dezaria 19. Fouad Yaha 20. Jowasa Drodrolagi 21. Tiaki Chan 22. Alrix Da Costa)

England coach Brian McDermott has opted against major surgery, retaining the same 17 that fell short against Tonga. AJ Brimson continues at fullback ahead of Jack Welsby, while George Williams and Harry Smith are kept together in the halves despite external calls for Mikey Lewis to be given an opportunity.

That continuity signals confidence that structural issues can be addressed through execution rather than wholesale changes, an important stance in a pool where points differential and consistency may decide seeding.

France, by contrast, introduce several targeted changes. Thomas Lacans starts at five-eighth, with César Rougé moving to the bench, reshaping their left-edge attack. Roméo Tropis is named at centre, pushing Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet to the wing, which refines their aerial and defensive match-ups.

Captain Benjamin Garcia moves from hooker to lock, with Amir Bourouh taking over at dummy-half. Up front, Julian Bousquet starts in place of Lambert Belmas, who drops to the bench. Those shifts are designed to stabilise the ruck and give France more punch through the middle, a non-negotiable if they are to contend with England’s pack over 80 minutes.

Tournament stakes and governance context

This second week of fixtures sits within the broader framework of the men’s Rugby League World Cup, staged under the authority of the International Rugby League, which sets eligibility rules, match regulations and disciplinary processes for all participating nations. With group-stage matches limited, coaches are balancing two competing imperatives: banking wins that secure progression and using live Tests to refine combinations that can withstand the pressure of knockout football.

Australia’s sweeping rotation, New Zealand’s managed minutes for senior forwards and Tonga’s selective resting of key players are all in that context – strategic decisions aimed at maximising performance later in the tournament while remaining compliant with tournament squad and interchange regulations.

For emerging and mid-tier nations such as Lebanon, France, Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands, these team lists show a parallel priority: cementing spines, exposing new players to Test intensity and staying competitive enough in each fixture to keep qualification hopes alive and strengthen their case for future international windows.

Across the weekend, those competing objectives will play out in four venues, with selection gambles and rotation policies likely to be judged as much by what happens in the final round and beyond as by the scorelines in week two.