Walsh back at fullback in Kangaroos team to face Cook Islands

Fri, 11 Sept, 7:50 pm, Final score, Rabbitohs 10, Knights 20

Sat, 12 Sept, 4:05 pm, Final score, Warriors 16, Dolphins 26

Sat, 12 Sept, 7:50 pm, Final score, Sharks 26, Cowboys 16

Sun, 13 Sept, 4:05 pm, Final score, Panthers 19, Roosters 12

Sat, 19 Sept, 7:50 pm, Final score, Roosters 46, Sharks 10

Sun, 20 Sept, 4:05 pm, Final score, Warriors 10, Knights 12

Fri, 25 Sept, 7:50 pm, Final score, Dolphins 20, Roosters 36

Sun, 27 Sept, 4:00 pm, Final score, Panthers 14, Knights 22

Sun, 4 Oct, 7:30 pm, Final score, Roosters 19, Knights 18

Reece Walsh's return at fullback was the headline as the Kangaroos team was named to take on Cook Islands this weekend.

Walsh took the number one spot from James Tedesco, while Cameron Munster replaced Sam Walker at five-eighth.

The Jillaroos side to face Wales will see Jess Sergis into the centres as Julia Robinson is out of the tournament with wrist ligament damage.

Reece Walsh appears to be the frontrunner to wear the number one jersey for the Rugby League World Cup knockout stages after being named to start against the Cook Islands.

The Brisbane game-breaker opened Australia's campaign against New Zealand before veteran James Tedesco had his turn in their win over Fiji.

Both were among their team's best players, giving Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters a selection headache.

Despite his impressive showing that included three try assists, it appears Sydney Roosters premiership captain Tedesco may have paid the price for the Kangaroos' below-par showing in their 36-22 win over Fiji last Sunday.

He has been named on the bench, with Walters turning back to Walsh for his side's final pool game.

With the unbeaten hosts needing to stiffen their defence across the park, Tom Dearden has won the race to partner Cameron Munster in a third halves pairing, with Sam Walker relegated to the reserves.

Walker has been in the headlines since the Fiji match, with his Roosters outfit withdrawing their contract offer.

Walters has recalled rested forwards including skipper Isaah Yeo and his battle-hardened Penrith teammate Liam Martin, who will line up in the second row alongside Jacob Preston, who came off the bench against Fiji.

After coming off the bench against Fiji, who made easy metres through the middle in a gallant defeat, Pat Carrigan and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui are back in the starting pack.

David Fifita and Keaon Koloamatangi have been demoted for the clash in Townsville.

Centre Bradman Best did enough in his first Kangaroos match to keep his spot ahead of Latrell Mitchell.

Ethan Strange, who replaced the injured Mitchell Moses in the squad, is set to make his Test debut after being named on the six-man bench in the number 14 jumper.

1: Reece Walsh; 2: Jack Bostock; 3: Kotoni Staggs; 4: Bradman Best; 5: Tom Trbojevic; 6: Cameron Munster; 7: Tom Dearden; 8: Patrick Carrigan; 9: Harry Grantr; 10: Tino Fa'asuamaleauai; 11: Jacob Preston; 12: Liam Martin; 13: Isaah Yeo (C)

14: Ethan Strange; 15: Keaon Koloamatangi; 16: Cameron Murray; 17: Reuben Cotter; 18: Lindsay Smith; 19: James Tedesco; 20: Sam Walker; 21: Latrell Mitchell; 22: David Fifita; 23: Blayke Brailey

The Jillaroos also named their team for their next game at the Rugby League World Cup, with star centre Julia Robinson ruled out of the tournament.

Robinson dislocated her wrist in Saturday's 78-0 win over England. Scans ruled out a fracture, but confirmed ligament damage.

The Jillaroos will face Wales in Sydney on Sunday. Robinson was replaced in the extended squad by Canberra's Sheridan Gallagher.

Jess Sergis comes into the centres, while Jesse Southwell was named at five-eighth alongside Tarryn Aiken. Makenzie Weale and Sariah Paki move from the bench into the starting forward pack.

1: Tamika Upton; 2: Jaime Chapman; 3: Isabelle Kelly; 4: Jess Sergis; 5: Abbi Church; 6: Jesse Southwell; 7: Tarryn Aiken; 8: Ellie Johnston; 9: Quincy Dodd; 10: Makenzie Weale; 11: Kezie Apps; 12: Sariah Peki; 13: Olivia Kernick

14: Keeley Nizza; 15: Keilee Joseph; 16: Sarah Togatuki; 17: Tiana Penitany Gray; 18: Shaylee Bent; 19: Olivia Higgins; 20: Millie Elliott; 21: Jocelyn Kelleher; 22: Sheridan Gallagher