Reece Walsh has beaten out James Tedesco for the Kangaroos fullback spot in a sign the Broncos superstar is the first-choice option heading into the World Cup finals.
Aussie coach Kevin Walters has made several changes for the final pool game against the Cook Islands on Saturday night.
Walsh returns at fullback after starring against New Zealand, Bradman Best keeps his left centre spot ahead of Latrell Mitchell, while Tom Dearden will partner Cameron Munster in the halves.
Tedesco has had a brilliant NRL season but looks set to be Walsh’s back-up despite starring for his country in the win over Fiji.
Raiders five-eighth Ethan Strange could make his Kangaroos debut after he was named on the bench, with Australia looking to make a statement following their unconvincing performance against Fiji.
“There has been a lot of positives in what the team has produced in the tournament so far against some strong opposition, but we are looking to build on that with an 80-minute performance on Saturday night,” Walters said.
“We know that anyone we come up against is going to rise to the occasion of playing the Kangaroos, but we will continue focusing on our own game and building towards the knockout stage of the tournament.”
Halfback Isaiya Katoa is a huge inclusion for Tonga’s mouth-watering showdown with Samoa after he was given the week off to look after his injured ankle.
He is one of several inclusions for Sunday’s epic battle where Samoa could get Deine Mariner back from a hamstring injury.
Jillaroos name line-up for Wales game
Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner has also made a raft of changes for Sunday’s game against Wales where the tournament hosts could crack 100 points.
Jesse Southwell gets a crack in the halves with Jocelyn Kelleher rested, Quincy Dodd starts at dummy-half, and rookie Sariah Paki partners veteran Kezie Apps in the back row.
Millie Elliott, Shaylee Bent and Olivia Higgins have also been rested, while Julia Robinson will miss the rest of the tournament with a dislocated wrist, with Sheridan Gallagher replacing her in the squad.
“We are sad to see Julia’s injury has forced her out of this year’s campaign, she has been in great form on the field and is a key figure and strong presence around the squad,” Skinner said.
“However, we are excited to see Sheridan come into the Jillaroos to experience camp for the first time.
“She was a standout for the Raiders in their push to the finals this year and provides plenty of versatility and has been rewarded for her great season.”
Originally published as Reece Walsh secures Kangaroos fullback jersey as Australia overhauls World Cup line-up