Kangaroos half Mitchell Moses will miss the remainder of Rugby League World Cup 2026 after sustaining a lower leg injury during the Australian team’s 24-22 victory over New Zealand in the tournament-opening clash at Allianz Stadium on Thursday.
After playing on with the injury for several minutes in the first half, Moses eventually left the field less than two minutes into the second half and was unable to return.
Moses was sent for an MRI scan in Sydney yesterday and has since been diagnosed with a high-grade muscle tear, meaning he will take no further part in the tournament.
Kangaroos Coach Kevin Walters said Moses was understandably disappointed not to be able to contribute for the rest of the campaign.
“Mitch made a wonderful contribution to our World Cup preparations during the camp in Sydney and very bravely tried to play through the injury until he eventually had to come from the field on Thursday night.
“He is naturally disappointed at the outcome today and the fact that he tried to stay out there when he was clearly injured shows just what it means to him to represent his country and play in the Kangaroos jersey. We wish Mitch all the best with his recovery.”
Canberra Raiders five-eighth Ethan Strange will replace Moses in the 23-man Kangaroos squad in Brisbane in coming days.
