Walsh takes fullback training role as Kangaroos weigh World Cup selection
Captain Isaah Yeo says Australia's fullback options remain strong, with Reece Walsh and James Tedesco competing ahead of the opener against New Zealand.
Reece Walsh spent most of Australia's opposed training session at fullback as he competes with James Tedesco for selection in the Rugby League World Cup opener. Captain Isaah Yeo said he did not yet know the team's line-up for the match against New Zealand at Sydney's Allianz Stadium.
The Kangaroos trained against France at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence. Walsh has been out of action since August after suffering an ankle injury while playing for Brisbane.
Yeo praised Walsh's contribution to Australia's Ashes whitewash last year, saying his ability to create opportunities gave teammates confidence. However, the captain noted that Tedesco was doing less training following his premiership campaign with the Sydney Roosters.
Coach Kevin Walters is set to announce his squad on Tuesday afternoon. Australia rested players involved in the NRL grand final when they opened their 2022 World Cup campaign against Fiji.
New Zealand's pack includes James Fisher-Harris, Joseph Tapine and Naufahu Whyte. Yeo said Australia recognised the challenge posed by those players and wanted to strengthen the rivalry as part of growing international rugby league.
