Kangaroos’ brutal halves headache and insane squeeze for stacked rivals: Every World Cup best 19

The World Cup is only seven days away — so how could your nation’s best line-up look like?

While stronger nations could mix-up their team during the pool stages, others will be desperate to win as many games as possible to progress.

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While Australia and New Zealand shape as the favourites, the likes of England, Tonga and Samoa all boast incredibly strong squads this season.

So what could each nation’s best 19 look like during this year’s World Cup?

AUSTRALIA

1. James Tedesco

2. Tom Trbojevic

3. Latrell Mitchell

4. Bradman Best

5. Jack Bostock

6. Cameron Munster

7. Sam Walker

8. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui

9. Harry Grant

10. Pat Carrigan

11. Liam Martin

12. David Fifita

13. Isaah Yeo

14. Tom Dearden

15. Keaon Koloamatangi

16. Cameron Murray

17. Reuben Cotter

18. Lindsay Smith

19. Reece Walsh

Analysis: The fullback position has been shrouded in mystery in the lead-up to the Kangaroos’ World Cup campaign — but James Tedesco’s grand final heroics look to have all but sealed his spot in this side, unseating Reece Walsh who is the incumbent. Walsh remains in the side as an outside backs utility, alongside Tom Dearden who was Walters’ utility during the Ashes series in 2025. With Sam Walker set to debut at halfback after taking the Roosters to a premiership, that leaves Mitchell Moses outside the 19. In the forwards, the loss of Lindsay Collins could force a slight reshuffle. Cameron Murray easily could have started in the back row, but losing a key middle could see David Fifita get a start and Murray come off the bench, with the Rabbitohs gun and Yeo sharing duties at lock and at prop. Lindsay Smith has joined the squad, and given the balance of Walters squad could slot onto the bench, with the Kangaroos already boasting the likes of Murray, Cotter and Koloamatangi who can all do a job in the back row if needed. Elsewhere in the back line, there’s arguably a centre shootout that has emerged between Bradman Best and Kotoni Staggs, with Tom Trbojevic and Jack Bostock the clear picks for the wing spots. We’re tipping Best to get the nod after the Knights’ grand final surge, however, it wouldn’t surprise to see the Broncos flyer start in their first game.

NEW ZEALAND

1. Kalyn Ponga

2. Ronaldo Mulitalo

3. Dane Gagai

4. Casey McLean

5. Jamayne Isaako

6. Kodi Nikorima

7. Jahrome Hughes

8. James Fisher-Harris

9. Jeremy Marshall-King

10. Naufahu Whyte

11. Isaiah Papali’i

12. Briton Nikora

13. Erin Clark

14. Te Maire Martin

15. Joseph Tapine

16. Moses Leota

17. Leo Thompson

18. Xavier Willison

19. Keano Kini

Analysis: New Zealand look absolutely stacked. You could reshuffle almost this whole forward pack and you’d still have an elite squad, and we’re tipping Joseph Tapine and Moses Leota to be the pair that come off the bench after both Naufahu Whyte and Erin Clark were named in the Dally M Team of the Year in 2026. Whyte arguably could be the first name on this team list after his ridiculous campaign, while the Kiwis also have Leo Thompson and Xavier Willison to join the rotation if needed, with the latter giving Stacey Jones cover in the back row. Starting in the halves could be the experienced pairing of Jahrome Hughes and Kodi Nikorima, while there’s some new faces in the outside backs. Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai both completed an allegiance switch and will slot in to make their New Zealand debuts, joining the likes of Jamayne Isaako, Casey McLean and Ronaldo Mulitalo who were all impressive this year. Given New Zealand aren’t flush with options at hooker, Te Maire Martin could deputise as the utility on the bench for when, or if, Jeremy Marshall-King needs a breather while Keano Kini provides cover across the backline in the No.19 jersey.

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SAMOA

1. Sua Fa’alogo

2. Greg Marzhew

3. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

4. Stephen Crichton

5. Brian To’o

6. Jarome Luai

7. Chanel Harris-Tavita

8. Ata Mariota

9. Benaiah Ioelu

10. Francis Molo

11. Francis Manuleleua

12. Jermaine McEwen

13. Junior Paulo

14. Clayton Faulalo

15. Jazz Tevaga

16. Connelly Lemuelu

17. Spencer Leniu

18. Pasami Saulo

19. Ronald Volkman

Analysis: Samoa have one of the best back lines in this tournament, and leaving out a player of Clayton Faulalo’s quality highlights just how good it is. In the halves, Chanel Harris-Tavita and Jarome Luai partner up, while Greg Marzhew and Brian To’o partner up on the wings. Stephen Crichton and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow make up an elite centre pairing, with Sua Fa’alogo getting the nod in the No.1 jersey. While their backline is stacked, their forward pack could be considered weaker when it comes to the top contenders in this competition. Francis Molo and Ata Mariota could partner in the front row, while Junior Paulo locks the scrum. The Knights’ star back row pairing of Francis Manuleleua and Jermaine McEwen are set to get the nod on the edge, while Connelly Lemuelu could do a job through the middle of the park on the bench. Benaiah Ioelu could get the nod at hooker, leaving Jazz Tevaga on the pine to be a middle or dummy-half utility, while Spencer Leniu, Pasami Saulo and Ronald Volkman round out the squad.

TONGA

1. Tolutau Koula

2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

3. Robert Toia

4. Paul Alamoti

5. Sione Katoa

6. Latu Fainu

7. Isaiya Katoa

8. Stefano Utoikamanu

9. Soni Luke

10. Addin Fonua-Blake

11. Siua Wong

12. Haumole Olakau’atu

13. Jason Taumalolo

14. Tuimoala Lolohea

15. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

16. Moeaki Fotuaika

17. Taniela Paseka

18. Salesi Foketi

19. Lehi Hopoate

Analysis: Tonga boast a stacked side heading into this year’s World Cup, but there is some mystery surrounding the make-up of their spine. Isaiya Katoa is the obvious man to start in the No.7 and Soni Luke at hooker, but their No.6 is up in the air. We’re tipping Latu Fainu to get the first nod, although he could easily wear the No.14 given his utility value. Tuimoala Lolohea could find a spot on the bench, while Talutau Amone is the odd man out and the only Queensland Cup player to feature in this squad. Their backline is strong, so strong Lehi Hopoate could be left on the pine as cover, with the ability to play all the way across the outside backs and even in the halves at a push. The inclusion of Dallin Watene-Zelezniak shapes as a huge boost, while Tonga’s forward pack packs a punch. Stefano Utoikamanu and Addin Fonua-Blake forge a scary front row, while premiership-winner Siua Wong and Haumole Olakau’atu could start on the edges. Throw in the mix Jason Taumalolo,

Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Moeaki Fotuaika, Taniela Paseka and Salesi Foketi and there’s some serious firepower in this squad.

ENGLAND

1. Jack Welsby

2. Dom Young

3. Herbie Farnworth

4. Hugo Savala

5. Zach Eckersley

6. George Williams

7. Mikey Lewis

8. Luke Thompson

9. Brad O’Neill

10. Max King

11. Kai Pearce-Paul

12. Junior Nsemba

13. Victor Radley

14. Jez Litten

15. Morgan Smithies

16. Morgan Knowles

17. Ben Currie

18. Ethan Havard

19. AJ Brimson

Analysis: Brian McDermott has a host of tough decisions to make this year, with a wave of Australian-based players joining his squad. Arguably the biggest surrounds Hugo Savala, with the Roosters premiership-winner proving to be more than capable of playing in the backline this season. He could displace AJ Brimson, a player that could prove to be the odd man with Jack Welsby tipped to start at fullback after losing his spot in last year’s Ashes series. Zach Ekckersley has an excellent year in the Super League, earning a spot in the Dream Team, while McDermott has already revealed George Williams will be his captain, and therefore could partner Mikey Lewis in the halves, with Harry Smith being the odd-man out. Admittedly, that selection call in the No.7 jersey could go either way. England’s forward pack is a strong one, with Man of Steel Brad O’Neill at hooker and Bulldogs gun Max King at prop, alongside fellow NRL stars Victor Radley and Kai Pearce-Paul. Junior Nsemba and Luke Thompson could get the nod to start, while England have a wealth of middles at their disposal on the pine, with Ben Currie one to watch out for after a stellar year in clubland.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

1. Morea Morea Jnr

2. Robert Derby

3. Zac Laybutt

4. Josh Feledy

5. Nene Macdonald

6. Gairo Voro

7. Bailey Biondi-Odo

8. Epel Kapinias

9. Edwin Ipape

10. Jack de Belin

11. Rhyse Martin

12. Robert Mathias

13. Luca Moretti

14. Finley Glare

15. Nixon Putt

16. Valentine Richard

17. Sylvester Namo

18. Liam Horne

19. Sanny Wabo

Analysis: Dudley Dotoi, Zev John, Rodrick Tai and Khaiya Waiembi are the players we’ve left out of this squad. The inclusion of Josh Feledy is a strong one after a solid season with the Sea Eagles, joining fellow NRL players Zac Laybutt and Robert Derby as well as veteran flyer Nene MacDonald in the backline. Gairo Voro partners the talented Bailey Biondi-Odo in the halves, forging an exciting partnership while Edwin Ipape once again slots in at hooker, with Finley Glare deputising as the spine utility on the pine. Luca Moretti locks the scrum, with Rhyse Martin and Robert Mathias in the back row, while the front row pairing of Jack de Belin and Epel Kapinias pack a punch, alongside fellow forward Nixon Putt, Valentine Richard, Sylvester Namo and Liam Horne on the bench. Lachlan Lam, Cooper Bai and Alex Johnston are all sidelined due to injury, leaving some big holes in this squad — although PNG still look to have fielded a solid outfit.

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FIJI

1. Sunia Turuva

2. Waqa Blake

3. Solomone Saukuru

4. Semi Valemei

5. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape

6. Kurt Donoghoe

7. Brandon Wakeham

8. Jacob Saifiti

9. Apisai Koroisau

10. Jordan Miller

11. Taane Milne

12. Kitione Kautoga

13. Caleb Navale

14. Josese Lanyon

15. Elijah Keung

16. Kylan Mafoa

17. Mitchell Prest

18. Ronald Philitoga

19. Joseph Litidamu

Analysis: Fiji Bati have been hit hard by injuries, with regulars Jahream Bula (shoulder), Jethro Rinakama (knee) and Viliame Kikau (ankle) all unavailable for selection. They were then dealt a further blow after the International Rugby League board ruled that the Fainu brothers – Latu, Samuela and Sione – were unable to change allegiances due to their failure to provide enough evidence to confirm their Fijian heritage. Tui Kamikamica and Michael Jennings have also retired from the 13-man code. Without Bula, Tigers teammate Sunia Turuva will shift to fullback, while Super League (and former NRL) backs Semi Valemei and Waqa Blake will headline the backline. With no primary playmaker in their squad, Fiji will be forced to use Brandon Wakeham and Kurt Donoghoe in the halves despite them predominantly playing in the forwards for their respective club sides. Api Koroisau will wear the No.9 and captain the international side. He will be in the middle of a surprisingly solid forward pack which includes Eels star Kitione Kautoga, Sea Eagles rookie Caleb Navale – on the comeback trail from an ACL injury – and former Rabbitoh Taane Milne. Jacob Saifiti will start in the front row, having served all four weeks of his suspension.

FRANCE

1. Arthur Mourge

2. Leo Darrelatour

3. Arthur Romano

4. Latrell Siegwalt

5. Fouad Yaha

6. Cesar Rouge

7. Theo Fages

8. Jordan Dezaria

9. Alrix Da Costa

10. Romain Navarette

11. Louis Grossemy

12. Matheiu Cozza

13. Benjamin Garcia

14. Amir Bourouh

15. Julien Bosquet

16. Benjamin Laguerre

17. Guillermo Aispuru Bichet

18. Romeo Trapis

19. Tiaki Chan

Analysis: Coached by Laurent Frayssinous and with 2026 premiership-winning coach Trent Robinson as Director of Rugby, France’s squad includes some familiar faces. South Sydney Rabbitohs outside back Latrell Siegwalt is set to make his international debut in the centres, while former Broncos and Panthers forward Benjamin Garcia will captain the side in the No.13 jersey. Former Bulldogs back-rower Louis Grossemy will also be in the nation’s forward pack alongside the workhorse duo of Jordan Dezaria and Romain Navarette. Veteran playmakers Cesar Rouge and Theo Fages will once again lead the attack in the halves, as they did in the last World Cup, while Arthur Mourge will play fullback. Arguably one of the best talents to come out of France, Morgue has been hindered by injuries but has had a successful career in the Super League. The 27-year-old has spent the past two seasons with Hull Kingston Rovers, where he has scored 248 points, and previously had a long stint at the Catalans Dragons.

Walters names his Kangaroo squad | 03:12

COOK ISLANDS

1. Esom Ioka

2. Paul Ulberg

3. KL Iro

4. Valentine Holmes

5. Glassie Glassie

6. Maui Winitana-Patelesio

7. Esan Marsters

8. Pride Petterson-Robati

9. Rua Ngatikaura

10. Davvy Moale

11. Reuben Porter

12. Marata Niukore

13. Mason Teague

14. Delahia Wigmore

15. Makahesi Makatoa

16. Amare Milford

17. Rhys Dakin

18. Brad Takairangi

19. Reuben Rennie

Analysis: For the first time in his career, 21-time Australian Kangaroos centre Valentine Holmes will make his international debut for the Cook Islands after missing last year’s Pacific Championships due to injury. He will slot into a stacked Kukis backline that also includes Cronulla Sharks star KL Iro and Wests Tigers rookie GlassieGlassie, who recently extended with the club. Unfortunately, the Cook Islands have suffered a double blow with regulars CassiusCowley and Caelys-Paul Putoko unavailable. This means veteran EsanMarsters is likely to be joined by Warriors rookie Maui Winitana-Patelesio in the halves. Six-time New Zealand Kiwis international forward Marata Niukore will be back for the Kukis after changing his international allegiance last year, and he headlines a solid forward pack with Davvy Moale, Mason Teague and Reuben Porter as other familiar names. There is also a mixture of young and experienced talent included, such as Under-19s Queensland Maroons representative Amare Milford and former first-grade utility Brad Takairangi, who hasn’t played in the NRL since 2020.

LEBANON

1. Jacob Kiraz

2. Abbas Miski

3. Brad Morkos

4. Michael Gabrael

5. Jason Saab

6. Khaled Rajab

7. Alex Conti

8. Alex Twal

9. Yehya Ayache

10. Tupou Francis

11. Jordan Samrani

12. Tony Sukkar

13. Jaxson Rahme

14. Joseph Nohra

15. James Roumanos

16. Charbel Tasipale

17. Mikael Ibrahim

18. Khaili Rahme

19. Tony Francis

Analysis: The absence of the first-choice halves pairing, Adam Doueihi (injured) and Mitchell Moses (representing Australia) means Alex Conti has been given the reins to lead the nation’s attack in the No.7 jersey. The Canterbury Bulldogs youngster is regarded as one of the best young playmaking prospects and is likely to make his NRL debut next year. While Lebanon will struggle with their squad depth, there is plenty to be excited about with Jacob Kiraz and Jason Saab headlining the backline, with the former expected to slot in at fullback. Rabbitohs hooker Yehya Ayache is the only dummy-half in the squad and will play in the middle alongside NRL regulars Alex Twal, Jordan Samrani and Tony Sukkar. Meanwhile, promising Broncos prodigy Tupou Francis will start after pledging his allegiance to the Cedars – he can represent a number of different nations, including France and Tonga. Elsewhere, centre Brad Morkos is set to make his long-awaited return to the international stage after returning to professional rugby league this season via the NSW Cup with the St George Illawarra Dragons. Foxsports.com.au understands he has been linked with the Perth Bears and a breakout tournament at the World Cup could see the move become official.