There have been many stars unearthed during the 2026 NRL season, while some prominent figures have returned to form on the eve of Rugby League World Cup selection.

With six weeks until the international tournament kicks off, plenty of players are putting their hands up for selection and could force their way into their national side.

Here are the players who have played themselves into representative contention in October.

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1. Salesi Foketi (Tonga)

Foketi has emerged as an important piece of the Sydney Roosters' forward rotation and has impressed in his 40 games in the top grade.

With the injury concern to Angus Crichton for the backend of the year, it has given Foketi a chance to show what he is capable of in the second row, while also being versatile anywhere in the middle.

He has spent the last four weeks starting on an edge and has shown plenty of aggression on both sides of the ball, and will be fighting for a spot in a stacked Tongan backrow selection pool.

Foketi's most impressive traits lie in his defensive efforts, with defending in the second row being one of the most crucial decision-making areas on the field.

Ahead of the Roosters' rivalry match against South Sydney, Foketi has made 368 tackles during the year, recording an impressive 97% tackle efficiency in his efforts.

As the season has progressed, Foketi has been welcomed with more minutes at NRL level, and is building with more exposure against the top-line talent in the competition.

Defence is what wins games, and the Tongan coach Kristian Woolf will need to rely on workhorse competitors in the engine room if they are a chance to lift the shield.

The World Cup will kick off between heavyweights Australia and New Zealand on October 15 at Allianz Stadium, with the final held a month later at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on November 15.

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