Reece Walsh edges out Tedesco in Australia’s Rugby League World Cup semi-final team

Veteran full-back named on bench for Kangaroos’ clash with SamoaKayln Ponga in New Zealand’s extended squad to face TongaReece Walsh and Kayln Ponga are on track to resume their compelling rivalry after two huge coach calls ahead of the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals.Walsh on Tuesday retained the Australian No 1 jumper ahead of James Tedesco for the Kangaroos’ semi-final against Samoa in Sydney on Sunday. Continue reading…

Veteran full-back named on bench for Kangaroos’ clash with Samoa while Kayln Ponga returns to New Zealand’s extended squad to face Tonga Veteran full-back named on bench for Kangaroos’ clash with Samoa Kayln Ponga in New Zealand’s extended squad to face Tonga Reece Walsh and Kayln Ponga are on track to resume their compelling rivalry after two huge coach calls ahead of the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals. Walsh on Tuesday retained the Australian No 1 jumper ahead of James Tedesco for the Kangaroos’ semi-final against Samoa in Sydney on Sunday. And Ponga has been named on New Zealand’s extended bench for Saturday night’s do-or-die showdown with Tonga in Newcastle, just 22 days after breaking his forearm in a dazzling full-back duel with Walsh in the tournament opener.

While young gun Keono Kini will again start as custodian at McDonald Jones Stadium, Ponga’s inclusion is a firm indication the Newcastle Knights superstar will return for the final should the Kiwis make it. Coach Stacey Jones also selected hooker Phoenix Crossland among the Kiwis’ extended reserves as Australian Test coach Kevin Walters made the most significant move of his tenure by picking