For a number of NRL stars preparing to take the field on rugby league’s biggest stage, Sunday’s grand final is about more than a premiership.
It is one final chance to catch the eye of Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters with the 2026 Rugby League World Cup just one week away and green and gold jerseys up for grabs.
With the Roosters taking on the Knights, seven players will have one last opportunity to put their best foot forward before Walters names his Australian squad on Monday.
Roosters v Knights: Grand Final
Kangaroos audition tape
James Tedesco
Tedesco’s hopes of reclaiming the Kangaroos No.1 jersey have received a major boost after Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards suffered a PCL injury in the preliminary final.
With Reece Walsh still recovering from a syndesmosis ankle injury, Tedesco is firmly in the frame to return to the Australian side for the first time since the Pacific Championships Final in 2023.
Tedesco secures a double and player of the match honours
Sam Walker
Walker was already in the conversation for an Australian debut after a standout season with the Roosters, but Nathan Cleary’s broken leg has opened the door even further.
The Maroons halfback has played a key role in steering the Roosters to the grand final and now has the biggest stage of all to make his case for the Kangaroos No.7 jersey.
Sam Walker = instrumental
Reece Robson
Robson has made an immediate impact in his first season as a Roosters and remains firmly in the representative conversation after another consistent season.
The NSW hooker has held the Blues No.9 jersey for the past four years but faces stiff competition for Australia from incumbent Harry Grant.
With versatility also a key consideration for the Kangaroos, a big performance from Robson could strengthen his case for a place in the squad, potentially as a utility option.
Reece Robson Try
Lindsay Collins
Collins is no stranger to the Kangaroos set-up, having made 12 Test appearances and featured at the 2022 World Cup and in last year’s Ashes series.
Another strong performance on grand final day would cap a superb season for Collins as he looks to book his place in another Australian campaign.
Lindsay Collins Try
Bradman Best
Best has put together a finals series to remember, playing a major role in Newcastle’s run to their first grand final in 25 years.
The powerful centre has shown he can rise to the occasion on the biggest stage, including standing up for NSW in the Origin deciders in 2024 and 2026.
Best was added to the Kangaroos squad as an injury replacement for last year’s Ashes tour but did not take the field, meaning he is still searching for his international debut.
Bradman Best Try
Fletcher Sharpe
Sharpe has been one of the Knights’ breakout stars during their remarkable rise from the wooden spoon to the decider.
The versatile youngster can cover positions across the spine and has shown plenty of X-factor throughout the season, making him an intriguing option for Walters.
With one game left, Sharpe has the biggest opportunity yet to show he can handle the pressure of the international arena.
Sharpe darts
Dylan Lucas
Lucas’ 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 injury in Round 21 that was initially expected to end his season.
Now, with one game left in the NRL season and the biggest game of his career ahead of him, Lucas has another opportunity to show Walters exactly what he can bring to the World Cup.
- One play can define a season. These are the moments that matter. Don't miss a second of the NRL grand final action with kick-off at 7.30pm AEDT Sunday night live on Nine, 9Now and Sky Sports NZ.
