Attacking whizz Sam Walker turned to defence after the Kangaroos′ World Cup win on Sunday night, dead-batting questions about the tussle for the Australian No.7 jumper and his playing future.

Walker played at halfback and Tom Dearden at five-eighth as Australia overcame a spirited Fijian side 36-22 at Suncorp Stadium, with first-choice No.6 Cameron Munster enjoying a rest in Brisbane.

Sam Walker on his Kangaroos debut on Sunday night. Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Munster is expected to slot back in at five-eighth for Saturday night’s clash with the Cook Islands in Townsville and Australia’s finals campaign, but whether coach Kevin Walters will pick Walker or Dearden for the coveted halfback role at the business end of the tournament is not so clear.

The two young guns have found themselves in a battle for the famous Kangaroos No.7 jersey after both Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses were struck down by injury.

“We’re all here to make sure we put Australia first and get the job done for the team,” Walker, who made his Kangaroos debut on Sunday night, told reporters in the sheds.

“So whatever happens, happens.

“I’m just really stoked to be able to make my debut.

“Whatever happens, whatever role I’ve got – whether it’s starting, coming off the bench, or helping out at training, it doesn’t matter. I’ll make sure I do my best and help out wherever I can.”

Both Walker and Dearden have big-game experience alongside Munster, having paired up with the Queensland State of Origin captain in the halves in the 2026 and 2025 series respectively.

Queensland won the 2025 Origin series with Munster and Dearden pulling the strings.

Walker didn’t want to comment on whether his connection with James Tedesco at club land may work in his favour in the selection battle, but the crafty playmaker said he relished linking up with his Roosters teammate in green and gold.

“It’s special to play with him. I’m very lucky to be captained by him at club land, and for him to lead us here representing Australia is really special,” Walker said.

“The way he leads, not just with his voice but with his actions, is really cool. Being able to follow off the back of him, you’ve just got to keep pushing around him because you know something is going to happen.”

Walters was coy in his post-game press conference.

“With the halfbacks, it’s a great situation to be in,” he said.

“Tommy and Sam are two very good players who are playing well.”

Tom Dearden in action against Fiji. Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Unless he signs a new deal beforehand, Walker will become a free agent on November 1.

The Roosters are desperate to lock down their premiership-winning halfback, but he could demand significantly more money on the open market.

He wasn’t interested in talking about his playing future after Sunday night’s game.

“I spent this week not worrying about that,” the 24-year-old said.

“I’ll let my manager do his job – he’s sorting a lot out in the background.

“My job was to go out and play football tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll have a conversation with him, sit down and hopefully get something sorted.

“Right now, I’ve only been off the field for an hour and haven’t had time to think about it. I’ll have time in the next couple of days.

“It’s nice to be wanted. I have to make a decision on my future soon, and I will.

“But right now, my focus was completely on tonight and making sure we got the win for Australia.”