Already qualified for the semi-finals of the 2026 IRL Men’s Rugby League World Cup, Australia face Cook Islands in their final group game at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville on Saturday.

Australia will be looking to secure victory to finish top of the group, with second-placed New Zealand currently holding a superior points difference.

They recall a host of stars for the game against Cook Islands as Reece Walsh, Cameron Munster, Patrick Carrigan, Harry Grant, Tini Faasumaleaui, Jacob Preston, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo are restored into the starting thirteen.

Cook Islands, meanwhile, have lost both of their opening games against New Zealand and Fiji and can no longer progress to the semi-finals. They will, however, be aiming to end their campaign on a high by stopping Australia from claiming top spot.

After that 82-16 defeat to New Zealand, they recall Paul Ulberg onto the wing, in what’s the only change from last time out.

Australia (squad): Reece WALSH, Jack BOSTOCK, Kotoni STAGGS, Brad BEST, Tom TRBOJEVIC, Cameron MUNSTER, Tom DEARDEN, Patrick CARRIGAN, Harry GRANT, Tino FA'ASUAMALEAUI, Jacob PRESTON, Liam MARTIN, Isaah YEO, Ethan STRANGE, Keaon KOLOAMATANGI, Cameron MURRAY, Reuben COTTER, Lindsay SMITH, James TEDESCO, Samuel WALKER, Latrell MITCHELL, David FIFITA

Cook Islands (squad): Valentine HOLMES, Paul ULBERG, Kayal IRO, Reubenn RENNIE, Cameron BROWN, Maui WINITANA-PATELESIO, Bradley TAKAIRANGI, Davvy MOALE, Rua NGATIKAURA, Rhys DAKIN, Amare Lese MILFORD, Del (Delahia) WIGMORE, Mason TEAGUE, Esan MARSTERS, K-Ci NEWTON-WHARE, Makahesi MAKATOA, David Tuariki, Chaev KOLONE, Glassie GLASSIE, Brody TAMARUA, Pride PETTERSON-ROBATI, Esom IOKA