Rugby League World Cup squad: Penrith’s Isaah Yeo named Australia captain as Latrell Mitchell returns from injury, with coach Kevin Walters naming six debutants in a 23-man Kangaroos squad for the Oct 15-Nov 15 tournament. Mental health awards: Four Australians win the 2026 Australian Mental Health Prize, including a community advocate and researchers backing Aboriginal and women’s mental health. Construction outlook: Fulton Hogan’s recovery is highlighted by rising revenue and profit, but Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett says the wider sector remains uneven with job cuts still happening. Climate diplomacy: Australia and Pacific nations kick off pre-COP talks in Fiji, with $7.29m pledged for renewables transition and calls for fair climate governance. Water crisis in the Murray-Darling: A draft MDBA report flags a 265GL shortfall, raising the prospect of more water buybacks and fresh pressure on basin communities. Tasmania health warning: Authorities warn of an overdose death possibly linked to a novel synthetic opioid. Online safety: NSW research finds students struggle to regulate screen use, with teachers reporting persistent off-task behaviour. ASX/markets & mining: Brokers flag potential upside in mining stocks and Jacaranda Natural Resources eyes an $8m-$10m IPO for gold and copper exploration in Botswana and Queensland.