Yeo targets forward improvement as Kangaroos prepare for finals
Australia's captain returns against Cook Islands in Townsville, with contact and ruck control among his priorities before the semi-finals.
Kangaroos captain Isaah Yeo says Australia's forwards need to improve their contact and ruck control before the Rugby League World Cup knockout rounds, despite winning their opening two matches.
Yeo will resume the captaincy and return at lock against Cook Islands in Townsville. The match gives Australia another chance to address those areas before their semi-final at Allianz Stadium on 8 November.
Australia came from behind against both New Zealand and Fiji, winning 24-22 and 36-22 respectively. Yeo said he was pleased to have two victories but acknowledged the side needed to perform better and avoid allowing opponents to make inroads through the middle.
The Kangaroos have also changed their key playmaking combinations during the tournament. Reece Walsh, Cameron Munster, Mitchell Moses and Harry Grant started against New Zealand, with Tom Dearden replacing Moses after a calf injury. James Tedesco, Dearden, Sam Walker and Blayke Brailey started against Fiji.
For the Cook Islands match, Walsh and Grant return alongside halves Munster and Dearden. Yeo said Australia's depth had created opportunities for players, but he wanted a settled combination as the knockout matches approached. He said the selected side was one Australia felt it could develop further.
