Mitchell Moses Switched International Allegiance to Australia
The veteran playmaker joins the Australian squad after previously representing Lebanon in international play.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Soccer
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Mitchell Moses has officially committed his international rugby league future to Australia, securing a spot in the nation's 25-man Kangaroos squad. The move follows his previous tenure with Lebanon, where he earned eight Test caps.
Why it matters
The selection provides the Australian squad with a seasoned option in the halves as they look to build depth in their roster. Moses will now compete directly for field time against high-level teammates to fill vacancies within the lineup.
Mitchell Moses joins the 25-man Australian squad having already secured three previous caps for the country. He leaves behind an international tenure with Lebanon that included eight Test appearances and a 2022 World Cup performance.
The players
Mitchell Moses
He is a professional rugby league playmaker who has represented both Australia and Lebanon at the international level.
Sam Walker
He is a professional rugby league player who competes for a position in the halves alongside fellow squad members.
Tom Dearden
He is a professional rugby league player currently contending for a spot in the national squad's rotation.
Cam Munster
He is a professional rugby league player vying for a primary position within the Australian Kangaroos setup.
Nathan Cleary
He is a professional rugby league player who is currently unavailable for selection due to an injury.
The details
Moses joins a crowded competition for the halves positions alongside established rivals Sam Walker, Tom Dearden, and Cam Munster. His inclusion follows his 2025 selection for the Australian Ashes squad and marks a transition away from the Lebanese team, which he supported as recently as an August 2026 launch event in Sydney.
Timeline
2017: Moses represented Lebanon in Rugby League.
2022: Moses represented Lebanon in the World Cup.
2025: Moses was selected for the Australia Ashes squad.
August 2026: Moses attended the Lebanon World Cup launch in Sydney.
October 2026: The World Cup tournament begins.
Season Trajectory
The transition of a veteran playmaker like Moses into the Australian setup recalibrates the tactical options for the national side ahead of the World Cup. This move tightens the competition for starting halves while forcing other contenders to prove their value before the tournament opener.
Moses now directly challenges Sam Walker, Tom Dearden, and Cam Munster for the starting halves roles within the 25-man squad. His presence adds a layer of uncertainty to the final rotation, influencing how the coaching staff will structure the offense during the tournament.
The takeaway
The movement of veteran players between international teams highlights the ongoing fluid nature of national squad rosters. Fans should expect intense competition for starting roles as coaching staffs integrate new talent into their long-term tournament strategies.
What happens next
The Rugby League World Cup begins next week in October 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on international player movements, visit the Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News.
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