Australia's dominance in the Rugby League World Cup speaks for itself. Over the past three editions of the tournament, Australia has been strong and continues to cement its reputation as the powerhouse of international rugby league.ย 

But despite their success, the landscape of international rugby is shifting.

Many of the game's top stars have chosen to represent their countries of heritage, creating a scenario where the best players are spread across the globe rather than being confined to the Australian squad.

This was seen last year when the New Zealand Kiwis produced an upset win in the Final to topple the Kangaroos.

I've assembled a top Australian side made up of players who have previously worn the green and gold or are set to wear it at the 2024 Pacific Championships.

For the Rest of the World team, I've set challenging criteria by selecting only one player from each country, ensuring each player has actually represented that nation or been selected to represent a country at the 2024 Pacific Championships.

With the Pacific Championships fast approaching, we can expect to see a number of familiar NRL stars representing their heritage and culture.ย 

Who would make up these two teams, and more importantly, who would win?

Fullback Dylan Edwards James Tedesco (Italy)
Wing Zac Lomax Ronaldo Mulitalo (USA)
Centre Latrell Mitchell Stephen Crichton (Samoa)
Centre Matt Burton Herbie Farnworth (England)
Wing Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow Dominic Young (Jamaica)
Five-Eighth Cameron Munster Luke Keary (Ireland)
Halfback Nathan Cleary Mitchell Moses (Lebanon)
Prop Tino Fa'asuamaleaui Addin Fonua-Blake (Tonga)
Hooker Harry Grant Apisai Koroisauย (Fiji)
Prop Reuben Cotter Payne Haas (Philippines)
Back-Row Liam Martin Benjamin Garcia (France)
Back-Row Angus Crichton Jack de Belin (Papua New Guinea)
Lock Isaah Yeo James Fisher-Harris (New Zealand)
Interchange Connor Watson Peter Mamouzelos (Greece)
Interchange Cameron Murray Euan Aitken (Scotland)
Interchange Patrick Carrigan Xavier Willison (Cook Islands)
Interchange Bradman Best Scott Drinkwater (Germany)