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Fab four debut for Australia against Fiji in World Cup
Joel Gould, AAP •  October 20th, 2026 6:11 pm
David Fifita's resurgence continues, with the Souths forward named for his Kangaroos debut | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
The revival of the career of prodigious talent David Fifita has taken giant leap forward with the South Sydney second rower to make his Australia debut against Fiji.
Fifita, who captained the Australia Prime Minister's XIII earlier this month to a 60-10 victory over their PNG counterparts, joins halfback Sam Walker, hooker Blayke Brailey and centre Bradman Best for Kangaroos debuts in Sunday's World Cup clash against the Bati at Suncorp Stadium.
Fifita, 26, previously played four Tests for Tonga at the 2022 World Cup. His career had stalled at the Gold Coast Titans but his move to the Rabbitohs this year under former Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett led to him finding his best in the NRL this season.
David Fifita's career has taken an upswing after his switch from the Gold Coast to Souths | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
He will start in the back-row alongside North Queensland co-captain Reuben Cotter.
Walker gets his first start in an Australian jersey after a year including a premiership with Sydney Roosters and a stellar State of Origin series debut for Queensland.
The leg injury that ruled Mitchell Moses out of this year's World Cup, sustained in the 24-22 win over New Zealand last week, has opened the door for Walker to make a claim on the No. 7 jersey for the rest of the tournament.
David Fifita at indoor training with the Kangaroos in Brisbane on Monday | Photo: Darren England/AAP
Cronulla hooker Brailey and Newcastle centre Best were key figures in NSW's 2-1 series win in this year's Origin series, where they made a name for themselves as big game performers.
Sydney Roosters skipper James Tedesco will play his first match for Australia in three years as starting fullback, with Reece Walsh listed at No. 18 on an extended bench. Tedesco will also captain the side with regular skipper Isaah Yeo being rested.
The Kangaroos have revamped their starting pack with Keaon Koloamatangi and Lindsay Smith in the front row and Cameron Murray moving up to No. 13 after coming off the bench against the Kiwis.
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