Posted Tue 10 Nov 2026 at 6:55pmTue 10 Nov 2026 at 6:55pm
Jesse Southwell has been handed a surprise start for the Jilaroos in the World Cup final against New Zealand. (Getty Images: Cameron Spencer)
In short:
Australia has named its men's and women's sides for this Sunday's Rugby League World Cup finals against New Zealand.
The Jillaroos have named Jesse Southwell at five-eighth and dropped Jocelyn Kelleher.
What's next?
The Rugby League World Cup finals will be held at Lang Park in Brisbane.
Australia has recalled Brisbane star Jesse Southwell at five-eighth and dropped Sydney Roosters premiership winner Jocelyn Kelleher for the Women's World Cup final.
It is a big call by Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner ahead of the showdown with the Kiwi Ferns on Sunday at Lang Park, after Kelleher played in three of the four matches won by Australia in the tournament.
Kelleher was also player of the match at number six in the 40-0 win over Samoa on Test debut in the opening round.
Southwell, who will partner Tarryn Aiken in the halves, did shine in the record-breaking 124-6 win over Wales, where she had a personal haul of 44 points from a try and 20 goals from 21 attempts.
She was also a key in NSW's 3-0 series win over Queensland in this year's State of Origin series.
Kelleher also kicked goals and shared a strong bond with Roosters teammate and half-back Aiken during their NRLW title win, but has been named in the 21 jersey for the clash with New Zealand.
Try whiz Jaime Chapman has been picked on the wing, despite coming from the field early with a hamstring issue in the 30-14 win over Fiji in the semifinal.
The Ferns have retained the same 17 that defeated Samoa 32-0 in their semi.
Meanwhile, New Zealand men's team have recalled winger Ronaldo Mulitalo from suspension to the starting side for the final showdown with Australia on Sunday night.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has made way after he scored a try in the 34-10 semifinal win over Tonga.
Mulitalo was sent off in the 72-0 win over Fiji for a shoulder charge and copped a one-match ban.
Australia has named the same team that beat Samoa 44-12 for the decider.
Centre Latrell Mitchell and half Sam Walker have been listed at number 18 and number 19 respectively, with coach Kevin Walters settling on Bradman Best as his left centre and Tom Dearden at number seven, both of whom were outstanding against Samoa.
AAP
Source: ABC Australia
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