Reece Walsh wins fullback spot for Australia World Cup opener
Web StoryWatch this story in 15 seconds →Key takeaways
- Coach Kevin Walters picked Reece Walsh at fullback for Australia's World Cup opener against New Zealand.
- James Tedesco will rest for the opener and should return for the next group game against Fiji.
- Walsh returns after two months out with an ankle injury that ended his club season.
Reece Walsh will start at fullback for Australia. Coach Kevin Walters picked him for the World Cup opener. James Tedesco will sit out the first game.
Australia face New Zealand at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. The game opens the Rugby League World Cup on Thursday. Walters said the call was best for the team.
He said Tedesco will get his chance next week.
What happened
Walters named his side on Tuesday. Walsh took the number one jersey. Tedesco stayed out of the starting side.
The coach rested three grand final players. Tedesco, Sam Walker and Bradman Best all sat out. The grand final is the last game of the club season.
It took place less than two weeks before the opener. Walters wants to manage the workload of tired players.
Tedesco captained the Roosters in that final. He won the Clive Churchill Medal for his display. That medal goes to the best player in the grand final.
His strong form still did not earn him the opener start.
Walsh is the incumbent fullback for Australia. An incumbent is the player who already holds the role. He made his Test debut in the Ashes last year.
A Test is a game between two nations. He starred in the Ashes whitewash last year, according to AAP. A whitewash means one side won every game.
Walsh has not played for two months. Ankle surgery ended his club season in Round 24, LeagueNews reported. Walters still backed him to start the opener.
A fullback plays behind the main line. He fields high kicks and joins the attack. The role needs speed, safe hands and sharp judgment.
Walsh brings pace and flair to the role.
Walters named Mitchell Moses and Cameron Munster as the halves, NRL reported. The halves are the two playmakers. They steer the attack and set the tempo.
Tom Dearden sits on the bench. Dearden can fill many roles off the bench, NRL reported. Harry Grant starts at hooker.
The hooker starts most plays from the middle.
Latrell Mitchell and Kotoni Staggs will play in the centres. A centre plays in the middle of the back line. Sam Walker will wait for his chance.
Walker steered the Roosters to the title this year, NRL reported.
Why it matters
The call surprised many fans. Tedesco had just starred in the grand final. Many expected him to start the opener.
Walters chose rest and balance instead.
The opener is a fierce rivalry game. Australia face New Zealand in front of a home crowd. The Kangaroos carry a long winning run.
Australia have won their last 18 World Cup games, according to NRL. New Zealand have not won on Australian soil since 2015, NRL reported. That record adds weight to the opener.
The coach must balance form and fitness. Form is how well a player is playing now. Fitness is how fresh the body feels.
Walters picked fitness for this game. He will need form as the event goes on.
New Zealand named a strong side too. Kalyn Ponga will start at fullback for the Kiwis. It will be his first game for New Zealand.
Dane Gagai will make his New Zealand debut at centre. Gagai is 35 years old, AAP reported. He will be the oldest Kiwis debutant since 1910.
Fans can read our guide to the Rugby League World Cup opener. The story sets out what to watch in the first game. Gagai's switch adds extra interest to the clash.
He won the last of his seven caps for Australia in 2018, AAP reported. His story links to the Dane Gagai club move.
England named Hugo Savala for a debut at centre, AAP reported. Read our report on the England injury change.
What happens next
Tedesco should return next week. Australia play Fiji in their next group game. Walters said every squad member will start during the event.
Players who miss the opener will get their chance.
After Fiji, Australia face the Cook Islands. The top two teams in Pool A reach the semi-finals. Pool A is Australia's group in the event.
The squad will train in Sydney this week. Walters said the squad had a strong week of work in Sydney.
Walsh must show he is sharp after two months out. A strong opener would lock in his spot. A quiet game would raise fresh questions.
Tedesco will wait for his own chance. The two men will push each other all event. Walters will judge each game on its own.
The winner of the opener gains early control of Pool A. Fans can expect more rotation in the next two games.
The opener sets the tone for the whole event. Australia want to defend their world title. New Zealand want to end a long wait on Australian soil.
Walsh starts in the spotlight. Tedesco waits for his turn. The next few weeks will test the depth of the squad.
Fans will watch every selection call with care.
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