Australia coach Kevin Walters has made ten changes to his side for the Kangaroos' second match of the men's Rugby League World Cup, according to Fox Sports, with a rebuilt spine taking on Fiji. The team lists for round two were confirmed on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, with Walters' selection the headline item across the tournament.
Fox Sports reports that James Tedesco comes in at fullback in place of Reece Walsh for the Fiji test. The same report notes that a Dragons player has been handed a starting role against the Kiwis, described by the outlet as an NRL superstar being unleashed.
Why it matters
Round two effectively decides which nations control their path to the semi-finals. Tonga's win over England in the opening week, as noted by Fox Sports, has put Mate Ma'a in a strong position to qualify, and every squad named this week reflects coaches balancing rotation against the need for results.
For Australia, a ten-change overhaul is a significant statement about depth. Walters is testing combinations rather than simply fielding his strongest available thirteen, and the Fiji match will show how quickly a new-look spine can settle.
Tonga shuffle after England win
Tonga have made several alterations despite beating England, per Fox Sports. Latu Finau is named on the extended bench while he recovers from a pectoral injury the outlet describes as not believed to be serious, and the rest is expected to help him.
Tui Lolohea starts at five-eighth. Sione Katoa and Paul Alamoti come into the starting backline in place of Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Robert Toia, both of whom are rested — a measure of how deep Tonga's outside-back stocks run.
Up front, Stefano Utoikamanu starts at prop, Jason Taumalolo moves to lock and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki takes a back-row spot, with Siua Wong and Tyson Frizell rested. Lehi Hopoate is at fullback, Isaiya Katoa at halfback and Addin Fonua-Blake at prop, with Salesi Foketi at hooker and Haumole Olakau'atu in the second row.
New Zealand turn to Kini
All attention on New Zealand's selection centred on who would cover for Kalyn Ponga, and Fox Sports reports the answer is Gold Coast young gun Keano Kini at fullback. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad shifts to the centres with Dane Gagai rested.
Moses Leota and Naufahu Whyte have also been given the week off. Joseph Tapine moves to prop and Erin Clark starts at lock, with James Fisher-Harris captaining, Jahrome Hughes at halfback and Kodi Nikorima in the halves. Jamayne Isaako and Ronaldo Mulitalo are on the wings, with Jeremy Marshall-King at hooker and Xavier Willison and Scott Sorensen in the back row.
England hold firm, Samoa adjust
England coach Brian McDermott has kept faith with the side that lost to Tonga, according to Fox Sports. AJ Brimson stays at fullback ahead of Jack Welsby, and the halves pairing of George Williams and Harry Smith is retained despite calls for Mikey Lewis to be given a chance. Victor Radley is at lock.
Samoa are without Deine Mariner because of a hamstring problem, which Fox Sports reports means Sua Fa'alogo starts on the wing, with Ronald Volkman added to the bench. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is at fullback, with Brian To'o, Izack Tago and Stephen Crichton across the backline, Jarome Luai and Chanel Harris-Tavita in the halves, and Junior Paulo and Francis Molo in the front row.
France and PNG make tweaks
France have made a handful of adjustments. Thomas Lacans starts at five-eighth with Cesar Rouge dropping to the bench, Romeo Tropis is named at centre with Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet moving to the wing, and captain Ben Garcia shifts from hooker to lock as Amir Bourouh takes over at dummy-half. Julian Bousquet replaces Lambert Belmas in the front row.
Papua New Guinea bring Bailey Biondi-Odo and Jack de Belin into the starting side after bench roles last week, an expected move per Fox Sports. Epel Kapinias starts at prop with Valentine Richard on the interchange, and the bench includes Manly outside back Josh Feledy plus Capras pair Rodrick Tai and Khaiya Waiembi. Rhyse Martin captains and Edwin Ipape is at hooker.
Lebanon's only change sees Moustafa Dirani start at hooker with Yehya Ayache moving to the bench. Jacob Kiraz is at fullback, Jason Saab on the wing and Alex Twal captains.
What to watch
Round two results will settle the semi-final picture, with Tonga's position the most advanced after their opening win. Australia's reshaped spine against Fiji is the fixture most likely to shape selection thinking for the rest of the tournament.
