Australia Weigh Mitchell's Semi-Final Role as Walsh Presses His Case

Australia coach Kevin Walters faces a selection headache ahead of Sunday's Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Samoa, with Latrell Mitchell's role still undecided. Reece Walsh strengthened his case in Australia's 66-6 rout of the Cook Islands, producing five try assists and scoring a try of his own, while Mitchell was omitted from that match entirely. Walters has indicated Mitchell could come off the bench if required, with Bradman Best preferred at left centre alongside Kotoni Staggs after featuring against Fiji and the Cook Islands. The Brisbane fullback played in two of Australia's three pool matches despite competing with James Tedesco for the position before the tournament, and his place in the starting 13 remains unconfirmed. Walters is due to name his semi-final team on Tuesday, ahead of the clash at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Sunday at 8:05 p.m. AEDT. The other semi-final sees New Zealand face Tonga in Newcastle on Saturday night, but for the hosts, the Mitchell call may shape their path to the final.