Latrell primed for World Cup statement

Australian coach Kevin Walters has declared Latrell Mitchell can be the Kangaroos gamebreaker during the upcoming IRL Rugby League World Cup. 

Mitchell's selection comes after the star centre overcame a debilitating nerve injury that kept him sidelined for three and a half months of the NRL season. 

The 29-year-old, however, returned in the Rabbitohs Round 26 victory over the Titans and Walters declared he had done enough to prove he can fire for his country throughout the World Cup.

"His finish to the season was great for South Sydney," Walters said. "He's a big-game player, he can do some special things Latrell. 

"My conversations with him for the last 16 months have been nothing but positive. He's looking forward to putting the green and gold back on and having a great tournament."

Mitchell is now set for his first Kangaroos appearance since the 2022 World Cup final, where he scored a double in Australia's 30-10 victory over Samoa. 

The centre was among the big names unveiled as Walters announced his squad for this year's tournament, with Penrith captain Isaah Yeo to delay pectoral surgery to lead the Kangaroos. 

Clive Churchill Medal winner James Tedesco has earned a Test recall after leading the Roosters to the premiership and will battle Reece Walsh for the No.1 jumper.

Roosters teammate Sam Walker is also in line for a Kangaroos debut after making a rapid recovery from an ankle injury. The playmaker is one of four halves selected in the squad, alongside Cameron Munster, Tom Dearden and Mitchell Moses. 

Rob Toia and Jojo Fifita have elected to play for Tonga, with Mitchell, Tom Trbojevic and Jack Bostock headlining the Australian outside backs. Bradman Best and Kotoni Staggs join the pair in the squad.

Rabbitohs backrower David Fifita and Canterbury's Jacob Preson are also in the mix for Test debuts, while Liam Martin returns to the Kangaroos fold. 

Australia will start their World Cup against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on Thursday October 15, with group games against Fiji and Cook Islands to follow. 

Having played alongside Mitchell in the Origin arena, Yeo backed the star centre to thrive on the big stage.

"He knows he's got the ability to change a game and he gives confidence to everyone else on the field too," Yeo said. "You need that in this level.

"There's going to be some high-quality contests. We're starting off against New Zealand in our first game, but then as it goes on there's four or five teams that internally believe they can go out and hold up the World Cup at the end of the year.

"You need players like Latrell to be able to break a game open and I can't wait to get into camp with him."

Yeo took over as Kangaroos captain two years ago but there were fears Walters would be on the search for a new leader when the lock ruptured his pectoral in early August. 

The 31-year-old, however, made a stunning return from the injury after just four weeks and played the final three games of Penrith's season.

The rupture requires surgery but Yeo said it is not affecting him on the field and was desperate to feature in a World Cup on home soil.

"There's no higher honour in the game than playing for your country, particularly in the World Cup," Yeo said. "I'm in the fortunate position to captain the side. 

"My plan all along was if I get back for Penrith and it was travelling alright, I'd leave myself open for selection. The club's allowed me to do it because it will probably push [the recovery] into the start of next season. 

"In terms of how it's feeling, it's been really good. I've been open and honest with Kevvy along the way but it's feeling good. I would only put my hand up if I thought I could contribute to the side and perform at a level that's needed for our country. 

"I feel like I can do that. If that hadn't been the case, then I wouldn't have put my hand up for selection but all's fine with my body."

Kangaroos World Cup Squad

Bradman Best* (Newcastle Knights), Jack Bostock* (Dolphins), Blayke Brailey* (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Patrick Carrigan (Brisbane Broncos), Lindsay Collins (Sydney Roosters), Reuben Cotter (North Queensland Cowboys), Tom Dearden (North Queensland Cowboys), Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (Gold Coast Titans)
David Fifita* (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm), Keaon Koloamatangi (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Liam Martin (Penrith Panthers), Latrell Mitchell (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Mitchell Moses (Parramatta Eels), Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm), Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Jacob Preston* (Canterbury Bulldogs), Kotoni Staggs (Brisbane Broncos), James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters), Tom Trbojevic (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles), Sam Walker* (Sydney Roosters), Reece Walsh (Brisbane Broncos), Isaah Yeo (captain) (Penrith Panthers)

* Denotes debutant

Shadow Players

Thomas Jenkins (Penrith Panthers), Hamish Stewart (St George Illawarra Dragons), Ethan Strange (Canberra Raiders)

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