Yeo delays surgery to captain Kangaroos as Australia name World Cup squads
Isaah Yeo will delay surgery on a chest muscle injury to captain Australia at the Rugby League World Cup.
Coach Kevin Walters named Yeo as skipper in a 23-man Kangaroos squad confirmed on 5 October. Australia open the men's tournament against New Zealand on 15 October in Sydney, according to The Guardian.
The biggest calls come in the spine. That is the fullback, halves and hooker who steer most attacks.
Sam Walker is one of six debutants. He will compete with Cameron Munster, Tom Dearden and Mitchell Moses for the two halves spots. Reece Walsh will push veteran James Tedesco for fullback, the last line of defence and a key runner on kick returns.
Latrell Mitchell is back in the green and gold. His return adds power and left-edge threat to a squad built on NRL finals form.
It is a show of faith in Yeo. In late September he was rated doubtful for the tournament, along with fullback Dylan Edwards. Star halfback Nathan Cleary had already been ruled out of the campaign, reported by NRL.com. Yeo has chosen to postpone his operation to lead the side.
The women's tournament follows a similar script. Coach Jess Skinner named a 23-player Jillaroos squad. Isabelle Kelly will captain Australia for the first time at a World Cup.
Australia begin their defence against Samoa on 16 October at CommBank Stadium in Sydney. Kelly, a centre and foundation Sydney Roosters player in the NRLW, led the Roosters to the 2024 premiership and was part of the Jillaroos side that won the 2017 World Cup.
For fans, this means two fresh storylines to follow. A patched-up men's captain trying to hold a new-look spine together. And a new women's skipper with a proven winning record leading a title defence at home.
