Tom Dearden Named for Kangaroos World Cup Semi-Final
Coach Kevin Walters has selected Tom Dearden for the Kangaroos' Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Samoa this Sunday.
Quick facts
- Tom Dearden was selected by coach Kevin Walters to wear the No.7 jersey.
- The World Cup semi-final against Samoa is scheduled for Sunday.
- Dearden previously guided Queensland to an Origin series victory in 2025.
Why it matters
The selection of Tom Dearden reflects a strategic preference for the established chemistry between him and his Queensland teammates. His performance in the upcoming semi-final against Samoa will be a significant test for the Kangaroos' spine, which has faced scrutiny following a high error count in their previous outing.
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- Tom Dearden Named for Kangaroos World Cup Semi-FinalYou are reading this
Tom Dearden is set to feature in the Australian Kangaroos' starting side for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Samoa this Sunday. As of November 8, 2026, coach Kevin Walters has confirmed that Dearden will wear the No.7 jersey for the match, selecting him over Sam Walker.
Why it is trending now
Interest in the player has surged following official team announcements for the final stages of the Rugby League World Cup. Dearden, who plays for the North Queensland Cowboys, is part of a spine that also includes Reece Walsh, Cameron Munster, and Harry Grant. The team is preparing for the semi-final showdown after securing a win against the Cook Islands last week.
Key facts
- Coach Kevin Walters confirmed Dearden's selection for the No.7 jersey, according to NRL.com.
- Dearden is reunited with Cameron Munster, with whom he previously secured an Origin series victory for Queensland in 2025, as reported by NRL.com.
- The Kangaroos finished their group stage with a 66-6 victory over the Cook Islands, according to The Guardian.
- The Kangaroos completed that match with 15 errors, a statistic noted by The Guardian as a point of concern for the coaching staff.
Why this is trending in Australia
Australian rugby league fans are closely following the Kangaroos' progression in the World Cup. The selection of the halfback position has been a major talking point, driving search interest as supporters evaluate the team's chances of progressing to the tournament final.
Background and context
Dearden has built a reputation for his performances in high-pressure matches. In 2025, he played a crucial role in Queensland's Origin series win. During the recent Ashes series, he provided depth from the interchange bench while Nathan Cleary and Cameron Munster led the side. His current selection for the World Cup indicates a move toward established combinations in the Australian spine.
What happens next
The Kangaroos face Samoa on Sunday in the World Cup semi-final. The result of this match will determine if Australia advances to the tournament final. Coach Kevin Walters continues to evaluate his squad after a mixed performance against the Cook Islands, with decisions regarding the fullback position still a subject of public discussion.
Frequently asked questions
Who is playing in the World Cup semi-final?
The Australian Kangaroos are scheduled to play Samoa in the semi-final of the Rugby League World Cup this Sunday. The match follows Australia's recent victory over the Cook Islands.
What position will Tom Dearden play?
Coach Kevin Walters has confirmed that Tom Dearden will wear the No.7 jersey for the Kangaroos in the upcoming match against Samoa.
Why is Tom Dearden trending?
Dearden is trending because he was officially named as the starting halfback for the Australian team in the World Cup semi-final, sparking significant interest among rugby league supporters.
How did Australia perform in their last match?
Australia defeated the Cook Islands 66-6 in their final pool match. However, the team committed 15 errors, which has led to ongoing discussions about their form heading into the semi-finals.
Who are the other players in the Kangaroos spine?
The Australian spine includes Reece Walsh, Cameron Munster, and Harry Grant, alongside Tom Dearden. These players have been noted for their existing connections and experience playing together.
Is the team for the semi-final confirmed?
Yes, coach Kevin Walters has confirmed that Tom Dearden will start at halfback. Decisions regarding other positions, such as fullback, have been the subject of ongoing public debate.
In this story
Sources
Trend snapshot
- Topic
- Sports
- Trending in
- Australia
- Search interest
- 2000+ recent searches
- Status
- Verified: 3 independent outlets
- Last updated
- Nov 8, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Last checked Nov 8, 2026 at 3:00 PM. Trends move fast, so details may change. How we work · How we verify
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