The position with the biggest question mark for the Kangaroos heading into the World Cup is undoubtedly lock.
The entire equation likely bubbles down to one key question:
Will Isaah Yeo play?
The most recent update, coming after the Penrith Panthers were knocked out of the NRL finals by the Newcastle Knights last weekend, saw no real indication as to whether Yeo would be able to play the World Cup through his ruptured pectoral muscle.
As it's understood, conversations with medical staff are continuing this week, and a decision will be made ahead of the team being named on Monday morning.
But Yeo is not the only player in contention for the Kangaroos number 13 jumper - and maybe isn't even the favourite.
Here is the selection state of play for Kevin Walters ahead of the World Cup.
The incumbent: Isaah Yeo
Even putting the injury issues surrounding Yeo to one side, the biggest question around his career has always been his representative performances.
There is no question that he is excellent at club level.
His performances for the Penrith have been instrumental in that club winning four premierships, making five grand finals, and playing in the last seven preliminary finals.
The way he was rushed back to play through his supposedly ruptured pectoral muscle this year is testament to how highly he is viewed within the Penrith system.
But it has been a different game at representative level, where the style he plays actually suits that of a prop.
There is no doubt he still should have a place in most representative squads selected, but it's probably not in the 13 jumper at this level.
The big challenger: Cameron Murray
The big challenger is quite clearly South Sydney Rabbitohs star Cameron Murray.
Most will tell you he is the best lock forward in the game, in fact, maybe ever, and it's hard to argue.
Under the modern style of what a lock forward is - essentially a third half in a prop's body who can get to their feet quickly and increase the speed of the game - Murray is basically the prototype.
He missed most of the 2025 season, and by extension, the Kangaroos tour of England for the Ashes, with injury.
That was essentially the only reason he didn't tour, and it would take a lot to go wrong, or a wild call at the selection table, for him to be overlooked for the World Cup squad.
The other options: Patrick Carrigan, Reuben Cotter, Max Plath
The lock position has depth for the Kangaroos, but less so once you consider Patrick Carrigan and Reuben Cotter are to be used in other areas.
There is no doubt both players are exceptional and deserve their spot in the squad.
That leaves Dolphins breakout star Max Plath, who has had a tremendous season and was rewarded for that with a State of Origin debut in the middle of the year by outgoing Queensland coach Billy Slater.
He took to Origin fantastically too, not for a moment looking out of place at that level.
He was exceptionally important to the Dolphins going as far as they did in their first ever finals campaign, and also has the added ability of being able to play on the edge or at hooker.
It's what made him such a strong selection for the Maroons, and surely what will have him included in the World Cup squad for a likely role off the interchange bench at some point during the tournament.
The verdict: Cameron Murray
It ultimately comes down to Yeo against Murray for the starting spot.
If Yeo was fully fit, it would be a closer conversation, but ultimately, he isn't.
It'll be a tough conversation and call to leave Yeo out if he is cleared for the tournament, but that's how the Kangaroos should play it.
Murray is simply too good to be overlooked.
