World Cup countdown: Australia

Should the Aussies not claim their fourth successive title and ninth global crown in 10 going back to 1975 – the Kiwis triumphant down under in 2008 on the only occasion green and gold ribbons haven’t adorned the Paul Barrière trophy in that time – it would rank as one of the biggest upsets in the history of the sport.

For those yielding any such hope, though, and with a reduced 10 nation tournament making it set to be the most competitive ever – with Tonga at 14/1 ranked fifth behind England – there are two flimsy olive branches to cling on to.

The first is that there is no indication yet as to who will be coaching the defending champions. Kevin Walters, who led them on the Ashes tour in the autumn, was only given a deal for that series and is in limbo as to whether the 3-0 whitewash will be enough for him to keep hold of the post, especially as a number of critics claimed that his side barely seemed to cruise out of second gear.

“I’d like to be part of that,” Walters said when asked if he would likely be remaining in charge for the World Cup by Channel Nine’s Wide World of Sport. “Especially in front of our crowds and our people here in Australia.

“That’s something I would very much look forward to,” he added with customary enthusiasm. “This group of players and staff have been really amazing.

“It’s a great group, and it reminds you of why you love this game and coaching the game so much. Because of the individuals that are part of this team.”

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald in mid-December, Walters confirmed that he had yet to begin talks with ARLC chair Peter V’landys and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo about extending his time.

“It’s been a great initiation into the international arena,” he told the newspaper. “But we’ll get through Christmas, enjoy that, and look forward to an even better 2026.

“I feel the most important thing is getting a really good relationship with players and letting them be the people they want to be and let them express themselves in a way they want to play.

“That’s my big asset as a coach, my connection with the players and allowing them the free space to play their style of football.”

Looking ahead he professed: “Am I a better coach right now than 12 months ago? Yes certainly, but we’re always improving all the time.

“Santa brings lots of joys, he’s delivering lots of presents, so hopefully there’ll be a little gift for ‘Kevvie’ Walters.” We’ve yet to know what came down his chimney.

Among, often mentioned, potential other candidates are Criag Bellamy, Brad Fittler – who reputedly turned the Ashes job down – Cameron Smith and Billy Slater.

Also offering encouragement to the rest, whoever is in the hot seat there is further speculation as to which top players may well opt to play for their nations of heritage, hence the narrowing of the odds on the Pacific nations.

Payne Haas and, for the first time, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, will represent Samoa, with all eyes on Tino Fa’asuamaleaui to see if he follows suit.

Similarly, Keaon Koloamatangi who came off the bench for the Kangaroos in all three Ashes encounters and has just signed a huge deal to move to St George Illawarra in 2027 from South Sydney, has been part of the Tongan set up before and was named in the last World Cup team of the tournament for the Mate Ma’a.

Kotoni Staggs, who played centre in all the Ashes has also represented Tonga and may be tempted back, while they will be without another superstar three quarter after Valentine Holmes confirmed that he would represent the Cook Islands at the 2026 showpiece.

Holmes won two World Cups with Australia and famously scored a record six tries against Fiji in the 2017 semi-final at Suncorp Stadium. But the 30-year-old has pledged his allegiance to the Aitu after they qualified with a dominant win over South Africa in the southern hemisphere play off.

“I made that decision (to play for the Cook Islands) a while ago, so it’s time to give back to my mum (Lucy’s) island,” said Holmes who joined the Kukis coaching staff for the game against the Rhinos.

Staggs’ centre partner, Mark Nawaqanitawase, will be back with the Wallabies come this tournament so there is a spot seemingly available for either Bradman Best or Matt Burton who have previously been in contention.

Irrespective of who might not be available, the Aussies have a predominantly young spine of potential future immortals.

Reece Walsh has established himself as the current poster boy of the sport, and likely the competition, at the back.

Cameron Munster, the Fulton-Reilly Medal winner in the Ashes, and who is the only player left from the Australian squad that won the 2017 title on home soil, is at his peak – although he too may be moved to the custodian role for Melbourne following Ryan Papenhuyzen’s self imposed sabbatical – and proved to be the ideal partner for ice-man Nathan Cleary, still the best in the world at getting his team around the pitch.

At hooker, Harry Grant took the 2025 Golden Boot award and loose forward and likely skipper, Penrith’s Isaah Yeo, is consistent excellence for club, state and country although Patrick Carrigan is exceptional cover for him, if needed there.

It’s easy to build around that for those who hit form in 2026 but Ethan Strange laid down a marker at Canberra last season and came on the tour for experience (and to stop England claiming him), Tom Deardon made Origin his own for Queensland and can cover hooker or in the halves, and Canterbury second rower Jacob Preston is expected to further press his claims.

The wing positions seem open with Zac Lomax looking for a route back into the sport having left Parramatta but the Eels having retained his registration.

Xavier Coates will hope to be at full fitness although Papua New Guinea will be holding out a spot for him in their squad, and Souths’ Jye Gray could be a bolter if he continues his outstanding form of 2025 alongside Jack Bostock and Lachlan Galvin, who will also be expected to move up the hierarchy.

Even the likes of Dylan Edwards, Nicho Hynes and possibly James Tedesco will be hoping to prove that they might still have a part to play, such is the embarrassment of riches the targeted can call on