Walters addresses Kangaroos halfback selection dilemma

With Australia’s campaign for the Rugby League World Cup set to begin next week, Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters admits he is unsure who will take up the No. 7 jersey.

As the NRL season wrapped up last Sunday, attention quickly shifted to the World Cup, with the squads for the 10 nations named throughout the week. Australia would confirm their 23-man squad on Monday.

One of the main areas of interest following the announcement was the halfbacks following Nathan Cleary’s compound fracture during Penrith’s preliminary final defeat against Newcastle.

As a result, it has opened the door for Mitchell Moses, Sam Walker and Tom Dearden to secure a spot in the starting 13.

Speaking on how his side may look for their opening game against New Zealand, the Broncos legend noted he is yet to make up his mind on who will be his starting halfback.

“Being honest, no, I don't,” Walters told SEN’s Kick Off.

“Mitchell Moses is a very experienced player, and we've had some really good conversations, Mitch and I, leading into the selection process and also Sammy Walker.

“We put a line through Sam six or eight weeks ago when he injured his ankle, but remarkably he comes back, and he's playing so well, so it was just too hard to leave out of the squad.

“I think he's earned his right to be in there as well and will challenge. Those two are in a duel for sure as to who will wear the No. 7.”

But with the competition for the highly coveted spot, the major beneficiary should be the side.

“The competitiveness for positions is great in the team, creates a really strong training environment and also game-wise as well,” he continued.

“I feel that position that in those halves it's so critical that we get our best players in there and lots of things can happen across the tournament with injuries, suspension, all sorts of things.

“We've got good depth in the halves. I wanted to make sure we had great depth, you've got Tommy Dearden in there as well, who can play six (or) seven, and he's a world-class player as well.

Australia’s defence of the Rugby League World Cup begins on October 15 with the Kangaroos taking on the Kiwis at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

SEN will have live commentary of the match as part of its coverage of the Rugby League World Cup across our radio network and on the SEN app.