How Australia shape up for the RLWC final
PENPIX OF AUSTRALIA'S WORLD CUP FINAL SQUAD
FULLBACK - 1. James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters) Tests 9. Age 29.
The Australian captain has gone under the radar and had a quiet tournament by his lofty standards, but he will come out with a point to prove.
WINGER - 9. Josh Addo-Carr (Canterbury) Tests 6. Age 27.
The competition's top try scorer with 12 will look to add to his haul this weekend. His larger-than-life persona has endeared him to English fans.
CENTRE - 8. Latrell Mitchell (South Sydney) Tests 9. Age 25.
The Rabbitohs star hasn't really come to life in this tournament but there is no man who rises to the occasion quite like Mitchell. Expect him to make his battle with Stephen Crichton personal.
CENTRE - 10. Jack Wighton (Canberra) Tests 6. Age 29.
Comes in off the back of an impressive showing against New Zealand. His big boot offers Australia another route out of trouble.
WINGER - 4. Valentine Holmes (North Queensland) Tests 18. Age 27.
One of the two survivors from the 2017 final win. Has been overshadowed by the try-scoring exploits of Addo-Carr on the opposing wing but has still had a strong campaign.
FIVE-EIGHTH - 7. Cameron Munster (Melbourne) Tests 8. Age 28.
The Melbourne magician is yet to cast a spell on this tournament but he is known to rise to the occasion. He will be aiming to make a misery of the Samoan right edge.
HALFBACK - 14. Nathan Cleary (Penrith) Tests 4. Age 25.
The biggest occasion of his young career and against his good mate Jarome Luai in the Samoan side. Has had his struggles with the boot on this tour but expect him to come right.
PROP - 6. Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Parramatta) Tests 8. Age 29.
The Eels forward will be expected to lead the charge early and take the sting out of the Samoan pack. Played in the 2017 decider and will be keen to end a strong season with a trophy.
HOOKER - 3. Ben Hunt (St George Illawarra) Tests 11. Age 32.
Resumes the role he had with the successful Queensland State of Origin side. Has the option to play lock as the game goes on and offers a threat with a smart kicking game.
PROP - 5. Jake Trbojevic (Manly) Tests 11. Age 28.
Not a traditional prop by any means but Trbojevic is trusted as one of Australia's best defenders. Will be out to shut Samoa's big men down.
BACK ROW - 17. Angus Crichton (Sydney Roosters) Tests 4. Age 26.
The defensive glue to Australia's strong left edge. Came into this tour uncapped and looks set to be a long-term Kangaroos forward.
BACK ROW - 21. (Liam Martin) Tests 4. Age 25.
Workmanlike edge player who is critical to protecting Cleary and making life difficult for the Samoan spine. For a slight guy, Martin loves to throw his weight around.
LOCK - 24. Isaah Yeo (Penrith) Tests 4. Age 28.
Chemistry with Cleary has made him a must-pick and his ball distribution is key to how Australia to attack. Expect the Kangaroos to try and exploit gaps on the Samoan edges.
INTERCHANGE
20. Harry Grant (Melbourne) Tests 4. Age 24.
Expect him to come on 25 minutes into the game and run through a tiring Samoan middle from dummy-half.
18. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (Gold Coast) Tests 4. Age 22.
Played for Samoa in 2019 and will be called upon to make his short stint from the bench count.
13. Patrick Carrigan (Brisbane) Tests 4. Age 24.
The Brisbane forward has made a bench spot his own after a breakout year with the Broncos and hasn't let Mal Meninga down on his maiden tour.
11. Cameron Murray (South Sydney) Tests 5. Age 24.
Changed the game against New Zealand by sparking an all-in brawl and scoring the match-winning try. The Souths forward's ballplaying adds another dimension to this Aussie attack.
