Kangaroos World Cup selection state of play: Second-row

The incumbents are out, so who is in?

EDITOR | October 2, 2026 - 10:37am

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Injuries and unavailability have created major headaches in the second-row for the Kangaroos ahead of the Rugby League World Cup, with Kevin Walters needing to make some big calls.

Hudson Young would have been an almost certain selection had he been fit, but an Achilles injury means he is now racing the clock for the opening round of 2027.

Angus Crichton's move to rugby union means he is almost certain to be overlooked, while Jeremiah Nanai will almost certainly turn out for Samoa again, having played two Tests for Australia back in 2022.

It's not all doom and gloom for the Kangaroos though, with plenty of strong options, and some new faces, likely to feature in the squad.

One touring face from last year's Ashes series is almost certain to be picked, while breakout stars for emerging talents are set to be rewarded.

There also could be one big-name selection who is yet to represent Australia, but has eight State of Origins under his belt for Queensland.

Here is the state of play in the second-row for the Kangaroos.

The incumbents: Angus Crichton and Hudson Young

The only position in the team where both of the incumbents are almost certain not to be selected.

Hudson Young is, as mentioned, a guaranteed non-starter thanks to his injury.

Crichton's contract with the Roosters - and by extension NRL and ARLC - ends on November 1, about halfway through the World Cup.

It means that, like Mark Nawaqanitawase, the NRL could explore the idea of a two-week bridging contract to keep him insured, but it's likely selectors and the game's authorities will look in other directions to fill the gaps at the selection table.

The big challenger: Jacob Preston

Preston was included on the Kangaroos tour to England last year for the Ashes, and while he didn't make his debut, he is almost certain to find some game time during the World Cup this year.

The fact the Canterbury Bulldogs failed to make the finals will count against him in that race, but his form throughout the year, which has been rewarded with an upgraded contract extension, is almost certain to see him selected again.

By the time it was all said and done this year, the now 80-game Bulldog had 7 tries, 14 line breaks, 14 offloads and a tackle efficiency of almost 95 per cent from just 20 appearances.

The other options: Kurt Capewell, Reuben Cotter, Tallis Duncan, David Fifita, Dylan Lucas, Liam Martin, Cameron Murray, Hamish Stewart

There are plenty of players putting their hand up for the Kangaroos in the second-row.

Of the above list, Cameron Murray and Reuben Cotter are being considered for other positions, so we won't talk about them here.

Given a starter is still needed, Liam Martin seems the most obvious option. The veteran second-rower had a great season for the Panthers when he wasn't injured, and really stepped up to book his spot in the tournament during the NRL finals series.

Tallis Duncan and Hamish Stewart lead the cohort of young players and both could find inclusion in the squad somewhere.

Duncan brings added versatility by being able to play in the second-row, and has impressed to the point of a contract extension, while Hamish Stewart was a shock inclusion in the Dally M team of the year on Wednesday evening, having led the competition for total tackles throughout the year.

His ability to play in the middle also adds versatility.

Kurt Capewell would bring experience but seems a long shot despite his addition to the Queensland Origin side in the middle of the year, while David Fifita could be the trump card.

He had an excellent campaign during his first at the Rabbitohs, and his power running game is made for the representative arena.

Dylan Lucas has also parachuted back into contention given his return from injury - if you had put this together prior to his injury, he may well have been in the squad, so there is certainly a chance he is selected.