Australia drops Walker hours after Rooster cut loose

Australia has dropped Sam Walker from their side to face the Cook Islands this Saturday.

Less than 24 hours after the Sydney Roosters rescinded their contract offer for the halfback, the Maroon has been dropped from the national team, selected amongst the reserves ahead of Australia's third RLWC game in Queensland.

Tom Dearden replaces Walker at halfback, while Reece Walsh returns to the squad ahead of James Tedesco.

Australia's side for the upcoming match is as follows:

1 - Reece Walsh (Fullback)
2 - Jack Bostock (Wing)
3 - Kotoni Staggs (Centre)
4 - Bradman Best (Centre)
5 - Tom Trbojevic (Wing)
6 - Cameron Munster (Five-eighth)
7 - Tom Dearden (Halfback)
8 - Patrick Carrigan (Prop)
9 - Harry Grant (Hooker)
10 - Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (Prop)
11 - Jacob Preston (Second Row)
12 - Liam Martin (Second Row)
13 - Isaah Yeo (Lock)

14 - Ethan Strange (Interchange)
15 - Keaon Koloamatangi (Interchange)
16 - Cameron Murray (Interchange)
17 - Reuben Cotter (Interchange)
18 - Lindsay Smith (Interchange)
19 - James Tedesco (Interchange)

20 - Sam Walker (Reserves)
21 - Latrell Mitchell (Reserves)
22 - David Fifita (Reserves)

The match commences at 8:05pm on Saturday, October 31st.