Walsh keeps Australian fullback spot as Ponga joins New Zealand reserves

Australia coach Kevin Walters has chosen Reece Walsh ahead of James Tedesco at fullback for the Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Samoa in Sydney. New Zealand have included Kalyn Ponga on their extended bench for the other semi-final, against Tonga in Newcastle.

Walsh retained his place after a man-of-the-match performance in Australia's 66-6 victory over the Cook Islands, when he was involved in five tries. Tedesco entered the tournament after helping the Sydney Roosters win the NRL premiership, while Walsh had missed two months with an ankle injury.

Bradman Best was preferred to Latrell Mitchell at left centre. Mitchell and Tedesco join Ethan Strange and Cameron Murray on the six-man bench, while Cameron Munster will partner Tom Dearden in the halves.

Ponga broke his forearm during New Zealand's tournament-opening 24-22 loss to Australia. Keono Kini remains the starting fullback against Tonga, with Phoenix Crossland also among the extended reserves.

Crossland was added to New Zealand's squad after an injury ruled out Jacob Laban. The hooker has not played since receiving a four-match suspension for the tackle that broke Nathan Cleary's leg in the NRL preliminary final. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has been selected on the wing following Ronaldo Mulitalo's one-game suspension for a shoulder charge against Fiji.

Tonga have kept their side unchanged. Samoa's only change is injury-enforced, with Ronald Volkman taking over at five-eighth from Chanel Harris-Tavita, who has a hamstring injury.