NRL

Come Monday morning the dust will have barely settled on the 2026 NRL Grand Final. 

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But as celebrations continue across either Newcastle or the Eastern Suburbs, Kevin Walters will announce the Australian squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup which begins on October 15.

Plenty of spots pick themselves, Harry Grant and Cameron Munster for example.

But there are multiple places in the 23-man squad still up for grabs with up to 10 players in Sunday’s NRL Grand Final having a last chance to stake their claim for a Kangaroos jersey.

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How many Roosters will become Kangaroos?

Fitness permitting Roosters stars James Tedesco, Sam Walker and Lindsay Collins are all expected to be in the squad.

But, just as it was during the State of Origin series, Roosters No.9 Reece Robson needs a big match to stay ahead of Sharks skipper Blayke Brailey who toured England with the Kangaroos as back up to Harry Grant just 12 months ago.

The other Rooster in contention is centre Robert Toia who has been heavily courted by Walters in recent weeks, but may yet declare his allegiance to Tonga.

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Which Knights are in line for Kangaroos selection?

For the Knights, the stakes are even higher with no ‘guaranteed’ spots in the Australian line-up. 

It would be major surprise if Bradman Best isn’t selected somewhere in the squad, however with talk that Tom Trbojevic could be in line for a centre spot, Latrell Mitchell getting back to full fitness and Robert Toia still a chance to wear the green and gold, he needs another strong showing to stay in the frame.

On the subject of centres, few have been playing better than Dane Gagai — after switching allegiance to New Zealand, could the veteran find himself a late addition to the Kiwi squad in the outside backs? A big performance in the Grand Final won’t hurt his chances.

Elsewhere for Newcastle, Fletcher Sharpe shapes the perfect backline utility for the Kangaroos and Newcastle’s deep finals run may well see him jump him ahead of 2025 Ashes tourist Ethan Strange in the pecking order.

In the forwards rep back rower Dylan Lucas continues to build after his gruesome ankle injury. At full form and fitness he would have been almost certain of Australian selection, particularly given Isaah Yeo’s pectoral issues, however once again Walters has no shortage of options with Jacob Preston possibly holding the edge heading into Sunday.

Whoever gets the nod, it’s going to be a powerful Australia squad. 

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