For a host of NRL stars, this weekend’s preliminary finals could be their final chance to make a case for a Kangaroos jersey in Kevin Walters' World Cup squad.
With World Cup 2026 just three weeks away, Walters has just three more games to watch Australia’s leading contenders perform on the biggest stage before naming his squad.
And Walters has already made it clear that finals form will be one of the biggest factors, with the Kangaroos squad due to be named on Monday October 5, the day after the NRL grand final.
The Dolphins face the Roosters in Friday night’s blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium before the Panthers meet the Knights on Sunday, with all four sides boasting players pushing their claims for green and gold.
With only one or two games left in their seasons, the message is simple - now is the time to make an impression.
Dolphins v Roosters: Finals Week 3
Roos Audition Tape
Selwyn Cobbo (Dolphins)
Cobbo has rediscovered his best form since making the move to the Dolphins, scoring 18 tries in a breakout season under Kristian Woolf.
The 24-year-old was also one of Queensland’s standout performers during this year’s Origin series and already has one Test cap to his name, having represented Australia in 2023.
A strong finals finish could strengthen his case for another Kangaroos call-up.
Cobbo cool as you like!
Jack Bostock (Dolphins)
The Phins flyer has put himself in the representative conversation after returning from an ACL injury in Round 9.
The 23-year-old was one of the Dolphins’ breakout stars in 2025 and has continued to impress since his return, offering Walters versatility across the centre and wing positions.
His size and ability to cover multiple positions could work in his favour for Australia.
Bostock back with a bang
Tom Flegler (Dolphins)
Few players have a better comeback story than Flegler.
After spending almost two years out of the NRL with a serious shoulder injury, the Dolphins prop fought his way back into the Queensland side this year.
Now he has the chance to finish his comeback with a green and gold jersey.
Max Plath (Dolphins)
Plath has emerged as one of the Dolphins’ most versatile players in his breakout season.
The 24-year-old earned his Queensland debut and featured in all three Origin matches, while his ability to cover multiple positions makes him an attractive option for a World Cup squad.
James Tedesco has a half to remember
James Tedesco (Roosters)
Tedesco has played himself back into the Kangaroos conversation after another consistent season.
The 33-year-old reclaimed the NSW No.1 jersey this year and came up with a stunning match-winning play to get the Blues home in Game One.
His battle with Dylan Edwards for the Kangaroos fullback jersey is one of Walters’ biggest selection calls, with both players still alive in the finals.
Sam Walker (Roosters)
Walker is back from a syndesmosis injury in the nick of time for the Chooks and to press his Roos claims.
The Roosters halfback has taken his playmaking to another level this season and earned his first Queensland No.7 jersey, but his World Cup hopes could now hinge on how quickly he can rediscover his best form.
With Nathan Cleary dealing with a foot injury. Walker looms as the ideal back-up.
Reece Robson (Roosters)
Robson has been one of the Roosters’ most consistent performers since arriving at the club from the Cowboys.
The NSW hooker has held the No.9 jersey for the Blues for four years but faces stiff competition for Australia from incumbent Harry Grant.
Robson was part of the Kangaroos’ 2024 Pacific Championships squad and will be desperate to force his way into Walters’ final 23.
Lindsay Collins (Roosters)
Collins is no stranger to the Kangaroos set-up, having made 12 Test appearances and featured at the 2022 World Cup and last year’s Ashes series.
The experienced prop has again been a key part of the Roosters' forward pack and is already well established in Walters’ plans.
Panthers v Knights: Finals Week 3
Dylan Edwards (Panthers)
The Panthers fullback is at the centre of one of the biggest selection battles in Walters’ squad.
Edwards has been one of the NRL’s most consistent fullbacks but faces competition from Tedesco and Reece Walsh for the Kangaroos No.1 jersey.
With Walsh’s season finishing prematurely in Round 24 due to injury, Edwards and Tedesco have the inside running on the No.1 jersey.
Tom Jenkins (Panthers)
Jenkins' form has been impossible to ignore.
The Panthers winger scored 30 tries to share the Ken Irvine Medal with Alex Johnston as the NRL’s leading tryscorer, earning widespread attention as a potential Kangaroo.
The 23-year-old is yet to make his Test debut, but he has already emerged as an uncapped contender for Australia.
Jenkins can't stop scoring
Lindsay Smith (Panthers)
Smith has already experienced international football after making his Kangaroos debut in 2024 before featuring again in last year’s Ashes series.
The 26-year-old prop has been a key part of Penrith’s forward pack and he has the added string to his bow of being able to play lock as well which he did so expertly when Isaah Yeo was out with a pec injury.
Liam Martin (Panthers)
Martin is set to return to the Kangaroos after three years away from the green and gold.
The Panthers enforcer returned from injury to make NSW’s Game Three side and helped the Blues secure the Origin series, while his previous international experience includes the 2022 World Cup.
Bradman Best Try
Bradman Best (Knights)
Best has long been viewed as one of the game’s most damaging centres and is now pushing hard for his first Test appearance.
He was added to the Kangaroos squad as an injury replacement for last year’s Ashes tour but did not play, leaving him still searching for his international debut.
A powerhouse runner with ball in hand, Best averages 137 run metres per game and boasts 40 tackle breaks across 16 games.
Sharpe darts
Fletcher Sharpe (Knights)
Sharpe has emerged as one of the more intriguing selections.
The versatile Knight can cover positions across the spine and has produced a breakout season as Newcastle have surged deep into the finals.
An explosive preliminary final against Penrith could put the 22-year-old firmly into the picture for an Australian debut.
Dylan Lucas (Knights)
Lucas’ remarkable return from a dislocated ankle has put him back into the Kangaroos conversation at exactly the right time.
The Knights edge forward made his NSW debut earlier this year before suffering the serious injury that was initially expected to end his season.
Instead, Lucas made a stunning return in last week’s finals win over the Warriors and now has another opportunity to prove to Walters that he is back to full fitness.
