Walters clarifies Walsh Kangaroos comments as World Cup selection heats up

Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters has clarified his comments around “definitely” selecting Reece Walsh, revealing the fullback position at the World Cup is still up for grabs.

Walters will lead the Kangaroos into the Rugby League World Cup at the end of the season, having been rewarded with a two-year contract after Australia’s successful Ashes tour against England.

Reports emerged that Reece Walsh would “100 per cent” be the Kangaroos fullback for the tournament, however, Walters clarified on SEN 1170 Drive that the Broncos fullback remains in a tight battle with Roosters’ captain James Tedesco and Penrith’s Dylan Edwards for the coveted number one jersey.

“I said, at the moment, he's obviously put himself, from what he did last year on the Kangaroo Tour, right in the selection,” Walters told SEN 1170 Drive ahead of the Origin decider.

“(And) there's Dylan Edwards, and James Tedesco, there's a big scramble on there between those three at the moment for the back end of the year.

“Reece probably won't play in finals, so that might be hurting a little bit, but he's a great player, and we haven't seen a lot of that from him this year, but I've got a lot of respect and I love the way he plays.

“But also, Edwards and Tedesco equally, they've got different skills, so we're pretty blessed in that position.

“We'll see what happens at the back end of the year.”

Walters revealed the selection panel, consisting of Queensland legends Darren Lockyer and Cameron Smith, NSW greats Andrew Johns and Boyd Cordner, and ARLC Chairman Peter V’Landys would meet the day after the 2026 Grand Final to decide on the squad for the World Cup.

The former Broncos and Queensland coach insisted players on last year’s Ashes tour would be shown some loyalty for the World Cup, however, with players like Mark Nawaqanitawase and Angus Crichton already unavailable, positions are open for bolters.

Nawaqanitawase and Crichton will both depart the 13-man game for Rugby Union after the season as they prepare for the Wallabies’ home World Cup in 2027.

Of the potential bolters out of this year’s Origin series, Walters identified Roosters’ halfback Sam Walker as one who could force his way into the squad.

“(Walker has) matched it with all of them through this, and, traditionally, the Australian Kangaroos are very loyal to their players, and I don't see that being any different when we sit down to select the side at the back end of the year,” Walters said.

“I was very happy and pleased for all those guys that toured last year.

“They did a fantastic job for Australia on that tour, and some are unavailable. Mark Nawaqanitawase, of course, is going to rugby, and Angus Crichton as well, will be heading across the rugby.

“So, there's a couple of slots already that will come up into the picture for those that want to challenge.

“Certainly, your Origin form (comes into consideration), and not so much winning, but your own personal form in Origin is in the selection.

“There's the back end of this year with the finals and grand final, all the big final series games, and then, your previous work with the Kangaroos.

“So, last year's Kangaroo tour, that would add some value and some weight to your selection process as well.”

The Rugby League World Cup begins on October 15.