Kevvie’s shock twist in halves puzzle; star half set to return for Tonga blockbuster: WC Team Tips

Australia coach Kevin Walters is reportedly set to hand Canberra Raiders youngster Ethan Strange his Kangaroos debut in the halves for their upcoming World Cup group game against the Cook Islands. Strange was drafted in following a tournament-ending injury to Mitchell Moses. Meanwhile, Tonga expects halfback Isaiya Katoa to return from an ankle injury for Sunday's blockbuster clash against Samoa at CommBank Stadium.

Elsewhere across the tournament's final group stage round, Australian forward Reuben Cotter will miss one match due to a failed head injury assessment. New Zealand is expected to welcome back prop Moses Leota against Fiji, while Samoa coach Ben Gardiner is likely to stick with an unchanged side following a dominant 64-6 victory over Papua New Guinea.