Australia to Field Walker and Dearden Against Fiji
The national rugby league side will feature a new halves pairing for the upcoming match against Fiji on 25-26 October 2026.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Australia and New Zealand
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Kevin Walters has confirmed that Sam Walker and Tom Dearden will start as the Australian halves pairing for the match against Fiji on 25-26 October 2026. Additionally, James Tedesco will return to the starting lineup at fullback, replacing Reece Walsh.
Why it matters
The team reshuffle comes in response to injuries and performance management following the recent match against New Zealand. James Tedesco has been rotated into the side to allow for recovery after a demanding finals series.
Sam Walker is set to wear the No. 7 jersey, while Tom Dearden will play five-eighth against Fiji. Reece Walsh returns to the squad rotation following a period of two months without competitive play prior to the opener.
The players
Kevin Walters
He is the head coach of the Australian national rugby league team responsible for roster selections.
Sam Walker
He is a professional rugby league player who recently participated in the finals series for the Roosters.
Tom Dearden
He is a rugby league player who replaced Mitch Moses during the previous match against New Zealand.
James Tedesco
He is a fullback who was rotated into the squad for the upcoming match against Fiji.
Mitch Moses
He is a rugby league player whose participation in the tournament is currently threatened by a leg injury.
The details
Mitch Moses sustained a leg injury during the match against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, leading to his substitution by Tom Dearden. Ethan Strange remains under consideration as a potential squad replacement should Moses be ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.
Timeline
The Kangaroos played New Zealand in October 2026.
Australia plays Fiji on 25-26 October 2026.
Travel Outlook
The team selection follows the 2026 Rugby League World Cup roster regulations regarding injury-based squad replacements. This approach aligns with standard tournament protocols for managing athlete availability throughout the competition.
Supporters travelling to the match against Fiji can expect adjustments to the starting lineup on 25-26 October 2026. Fans should monitor official announcements for any final changes to the squad involving Ethan Strange.
The takeaway
The team is balancing player welfare after a heavy schedule with the need to maintain competitiveness during the World Cup. Readers should note that injury management often forces rapid roster changes during tournament play.
Further reading
For more on the national team, see the Australia and New Zealand section.
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Should national sports teams rotate star players to ensure their long-term health over immediate winning?
