Walsh Says Kangaroos Forwards Have Been "Disrespected" at World Cup

Superstar fullback Reece Walsh says Australia's forwards have been disrespected a lot during the Rugby League World Cup. The Kangaroos completed the pool rounds on Saturday night with a 66-6 win over Cook Islands in Townsville, but opposition captain KL Iro still named New Zealand as his tournament favourites. Kevin Walters' side plays Tonga in the second semi-final on Sunday in Sydney, and Walsh believes the men up front deserve more credit for the platform they have laid. Walsh himself continues to return to full capacity from a left ankle injury but has still pocketed two player-of-the-match awards during the tournament. His point is that the headlines have followed the backs while the forwards have done the unglamorous work that makes the big scores possible. Australia have won 12 of the 16 World Cups and edged the Kiwis in the tournament opener, but the quality of New Zealand's play so far suggests they are serious title contenders this year. Before the semi-finals, though, Walsh's message is clear: respect the pack that has carried the green and gold this far.