Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Football
Netball
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
“Can’t split them”: Walters gives selection insight ahead of Kangaroos tour
Nicholas Quinlan • September 21st, 2025 4:37 pm
Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters has provided some insight into some of the selection decisions that he'll be making for his first tour as the national team coach.
Having been appointed into the role back in July, the former Brisbane Broncos player and coach has been keeping a keen eye on the NRL to help select the best 22-man squad for the Rugby Ashes against England, which will be contested for the first time in 22 years.
One of the key positions that will cause plenty of debate will be who is selected as the starting fullback.
Currently, it appears that the battle for the No. 1 jersey is between Dylan Edwards, James Tedesco and Reece Walsh, with Walters noting how competitive that spot will be amongst those three and the wider competition.
“It’s probably the most contested position of all the spots in the 22,” Walters said on SEN’s Saturday League Kick-Off.
“They’ve obviously all had great seasons, you can’t deny that in any way.
Dylan Edwards, with his work at the Panthers, which is ongoing, James Tedesco has had his best season in a long time, although his level of football is always very high..
“And then you’ve got Reece Walsh. His last six or seven weeks for the Broncos have propelled them into a preliminary final with his work at the No. 1.
“So, we are very blessed.
“At the moment, I can’t split them; it will be a tough decision in a few weeks' time on who we actually go with.”
The six-time premiership player has also been impressed by Sydney Roosters’ winger Mark Nawaqanitawase.
The Rugby Union convert was the leading try scorer this season, having scored 24 tries in 23 games, which saw the Tricolours into the finals after losing plenty of experience during the off-season.
And he will certainly be in contention for a Kangaroos jersey, according to Walters.
“He’s been doing some amazing things, hasn’t he, for the Roosters,” he noted.
“Particularly the way he is in the air, his aerial skills, but also the way he can finish off tries with different aspects of his game.
“His skill level is really high, and I feel he’s accelerated in his growth with the Roosters in many ways of the game.
“Even in defence, I’ve seen some big improvements in there on the wing, but his season has been a very good one for the Roosters and has put himself in contention for selection to go away with the Kangaroos, that’s for sure."
The Kangaroos’ tour to England will start on October 25 (local time) when they play the first of three Tests against the English at Wembley Stadium before heading north for the remaining two.
