Head coach Tom Brindle has made two personnel changes to Wales' squad for their final 2026 Rugby League World Cup fixture against reigning champions Australia on Sunday, 1 November (04:40 GMT).
Wales, playing at their first World Cup, have lost both of their opening Pool A games, falling 70-6 against England and 76-0 against Samoa. Dual-code international Ffion Lewis replaces Amberley Ruck at stand-off, while Carys Marsh moves from the interchange bench to start at hooker. Lucia Davies could make her first appearance of the tournament from the bench, and Dani Mc Gifford returns as the 18th player after missing out last week. Hooker Jasmine Gibbons has been ruled out after failing a head injury assessment late in the defeat by Samoa.
Wales have conceded 146 points across their opening two fixtures. Australia, who are bidding for a fourth straight World Cup title, have conceded none. They kept England and Samoa at bay, both of whom scored at least 13 tries against Wales, while scoring 118 points of their own. The Jillaroos have lost just one international since 2016.
Wales only played their first official international in 2021, and this is only their 16th fixture. Captain Bethan Dainton leads a starting line-up that includes Leanne Burnell, Zoe Heeley and Jade Mullen, with Kathryn Salter, Erin Williams, Gracie Hobbs and Lucia Davies among the interchanges. The Rugby League World Cup runs from 15 October to 15 November across Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing