Rugby League
Kealan Hughes and Marco Monteverde
14, Nov
3m read
Australia star Latrell Mitchell has been ruled out of the Rugby League World Cup final against New Zealand.
The Souths star was set to start on the interchange bench at Suncorp Stadium.
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But he is suffering from illness and will not be able to play a part, reports Nine.
His replacement has not yet been named
His replacement has not yet been named but will likely be revealed when the 19-man teams are confirmed later this evening.
It is expected fullback James Tedesco will take Mitchell’s place on the bench, with Reece Walsh to start at fullback.
Mitchell started Australia’s World Cup opener against the Kiwis but failed to assert himself in the match.
That led coach Kevin Walters to drop him
That led coach Kevin Walters to drop him for the games against Fiji, Cook Islands and Samoa.
But he was set to provide Walters with an impact interchange option, having played a big role in Australia’s last final win against Samoa in 2022.
It comes as Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters says star fullback Reece Walsh might bring the “X-factor”, byut will need the help of his teammates if he’s to play a decisive role in Sunday night’s Rugby League World Cup final at Suncorp Stadium.
The battle between Walsh and his New Zealand
The battle between Walsh and his New Zealand counterpart Kalyn Ponga will prove crucial to the outcome of the decider.
However, Walters stressed there was more to the Kangaroos than just Walsh.
“It’s not so much just Reece,” Walters said on Saturday.
“I see what everyone else is seeing, and yeah, he’s got that X-factor, and but that can’t come to light unless everyone else is doing their job.
“It’s just not Reece, it’s the whole group. They all contribute to each other and help each other be the players that they are.”
It’s a group that includes five-eighth Cameron Munster,
It’s a group that includes five-eighth Cameron Munster, who was among the Kangaroos’ top performers in their 44-12 semi-final win over Samoa.
“I’m excited to watch Cameron play more than anything,” Walters said.
“I love what he’s done the last few weeks, and I’m looking forward to watching him.
“He’s had some big moments in games over his career, and he’s still doing it.
I’m very happy to see
“I’m very happy to see that. I’m an Australian, so I want to go to watch Cameron Munster do his stuff.”
Walters said the Kangaroos had an embarrassment of riches in the halves, and was happy to have Roosters halfback Sam Walker at his disposal off the bench after again preferring North Queensland star Tom Dearden in the No.7 jersey.
“We’ve made some tough calls,” he said.
“I’d happily play Sam as well. I’ve just got to come with one body there, and Tommy was the man to get the nod, and he grabbed his chance.
We’ve still got Sam on the bench, so
“We’ve still got Sam on the bench, so if we need some flair or something (else) is required in the game, we’ve got him parked there.
“It’s a good luxury to have.”
It’s a bench that’s also set to again include Pat Carrigan despite the Broncos forward having been named in the starting pack.
Carrigan had also been named in Australia’s 13 against Samoa last week, only for Walters to make a late switch by replacing him in the starting pack with Dragons-bound Keaon Koloamatangi.
“It worked well last week, so that’s more than likely going to be the case (in the final),” Walters said.
“I’m confident with this group (of forwards), and back them against anyone.”
