Lucas set for shock return

Injured Origin star Dylan Lucas is set to be available for selection in Australia's World Cup squad and could make a shock return for the Knights if they reach the NRL grand final. 

Lucas made his State of Origin debut for NSW in the second match of this year's series, won by the Blues, and was one of the form second rowers in the NRL before a sickening injury in July appeared to have ended his season.

Dislocating and fracturing his left ankle in Newcastle's 23-22 loss to Sydney Roosters on July 24, Lucas underwent surgery and was ruled out for the season along with star Kiwis playmaker Dylan Brown.

However, Kangaroos selectors have been advised that Lucas is making rapid progress in his recovery and will be available to play in Rugby League World Cup 2026.

After watching their team beat South Sydney 20-10 in the opening NRL finals match at Allianz Stadium on Friday night, Newcastle officials revealed there was even a chance Lucas could play in the grand final if the Knights qualify.

The return of Lucas would be a huge boost for Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters, with incumbent Test second rowers Hudson Young and Angus Crichton both unavailable.

Young ruptured his Achilles in Canberra's July 20 match against South Sydney and remains on crutches, while Crichton has been sidelined for three months with a foot injury.

Crichton was named to make his return for the Roosters in Sunday's qualifying final against Penrith but is unavailable for the World Cup as he is set to play for the Wallabies at the end of the season. 

Panthers enforcer Liam Martin is set to return to the Australian team after missing last year's Ashes series due to the birth of his first child but the Kangaroos are light on for second rowers in the absence of Young and Crichton.

Canterbury's Jacob Preston was in the Ashes squad but is yet to make his Test debut, while Cowboys forward Reuben Cotter has played second row for Queensland.

Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray is another option if Kangaroos captain Isaah Yeo survives the finals series with a pectoral muscle injury to play lock.