For almost the first time, Australia’s former Kangaroo champions are nervous about their nation’s chances in the Rugby League World Cup.
Australia have been nearly invincible in the tournament since its inception, but this time is different, with former World Cup champions Corey Parker and Aaron Wood warning fans to strap in for an “all-time” tournament.
Australia have dominated the World Cup in the past, having claimed 12 titles, including the past three.
The next closest is Great Britain with three, and even if the hosts were to win a fourth on the trot this time around, it still won’t equal Australia’s best-ever run of six in a row.
However, Seven commentator Corey Parker says any fan expecting the Kangaroos to waltz to glory in 2026 will be sadly mistaken.
“You talk about World Cups and wide open, it’s normally not that way, but with the strength of New Zealand, Australia, Tonga, Samoa and also England, it shapes to be one of the all-time World Cups,” he told The West Australian ahead of the tournament getting underway on October 15.
“Australia have been dominant in that space; however, it’s quite incredible to see the strength of the other squads.
“If you go back to (the last World Cup in) England, Samoa got through to the final, which was huge for them, and great for the game, but it’s very, very good in terms of the competition for all teams.
“As just an avid fan of the game now, Tonga, Samoa, England and the Kiwis are unbelievable and can win anything on their day, so it really is who turns up and executes what they have to do at the right times, and that will be fascinating.”
Wood, who played in the front row during Australia’s 2017 triumph, said while he expected Australia to win on home soil, the depth of competition made him “nervous” for the green and gold.
“The improvement of those nations (New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, England) has just been so significant, I’m honestly very nervous for Australia,” he told The West Australian.
“I expect Australia to win, but it’s risky now. It’s anybody’s ball game in this World Cup.”
A change in the rules for State of Origin has allowed some of Australia’s best players to represent their nations of birth or cultural heritage, as long as those nations are categorised as tier-one countries, thereby strengthening the global game.
And it’s been a huge boon for the sport.
“I’m as one-eyed an Australian fan as they come, but for rugby league to be on the global stage it needs to be strong,” Wood said.
“New Zealand, they’re a massive threat. The forward pack is phenomenal.
“Young Casey McLean represented NSW, and what he did on that biggest stage of all in State of Origin was unbelievable, and he’s only a kid.
“And then you chuck in Kalyn Ponga, I think he’s one of the best players in the NRL, he’s just so scary.
“I believe the Kiwis should be on the same par as Australia as favourites.
“Also, I wouldn’t say they’re dark horses, but a side that a lot of people are sleeping on is England. They’ve got a few Aussies in that side that will really help out.
“And they’re also a side you just can’t take your eye off because if you slip up just a little bit against them, they’ll make you pay.”
Parker did say it wouldn’t be easy to topple the reigning champions, with the side having so much depth they could pick two teams and still compete with both.
“The thing with the Australian team is you can go through every spot on the list and find a player hard done by, but it’s certainly not the case. Everyone has earned their way in, and it’s a bloody good team,” he said.
“It’s healthy. You could pick two Australian teams, and you’d still have a super team, so I think the selectors have put together a pretty strong squad.
“But there is pressure anytime you pull on your nation’s colours, in particular with the Aussie side. There have been wonderful players who have been there and done that before you, and now it’s your opportunity to stand tall and strive for World Cup glory.”
Isaah Yeo will lead the team again as captain after delaying surgery on a pectoral injury, a move that sums up the man, according to Wood.
“I actually love this because there’s been so much talk about what is the pinnacle of rugby league,” he said.
“What I see with the decision that Isaah Yeo has made, he’s shown everyone I’m the captain of my nation, and that is the highest honour in the game, and I will not be giving that up for anyone.
“If I’m able to play, I will be playing. I think he’s showing everyone that’s the pinnacle of rugby league.
“He might not be 100 per cent, but he won’t give up that 13 jersey for Australia, and I think that’s a great leader. That’s a guy players want to play with and be there for.
“It’s not about the money or the numbers; he’s representing his country, and you’ve got to sacrifice.
“He could have had his surgery and been back for his club, probably ready to go from round one of pre-season, but he wants to make a difference for his country.
“He’s got the C next to his name, and he shows it’s not all about how good you are; you have to make sacrifices along the way.
“He’s very inspirational, and he’s an out-and-out winner, and that’s what Australia need.”
The 23-man squad features six debutants, including Roosters premiership winner Sam Walker.
And while the young gun will compete with Cameron Munster, Tom Dearden and Mitchell Moses for a spot in the Kangaroos’ halves, Parker singled him out as one to watch at the World Cup.
“I can’t go past the wave Sam Walker is on right now,” he said.
“It’s been an unbelievable rise from where he came from. He did a syndesmosis, had surgery and came back in record time and has made every post a winner.
“So, I’m really looking forward to how he approaches the World Cup.”
Wood said he would be stressed if he had to pick the side for the tournament opener against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, and not just because of how overloaded the talent is.
“You’re talking about a World Cup that’s probably one of the most anticipated in a long time because anyone can actually win it,” he said.
“I’d be stressing having to name a side for this first clash because you’ve got James Tedesco, Reece Walsh at full back, and then you’ve Tommy Deardon, Sam Walker, Mitchell Moses at half back - like there’s just so many good players, and unfortunately someone is going to miss out.
“Kevvy Walters has got one of the toughest jobs in the rugby league world.”