TEN players who have played themselves into World Cup contention

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. Hamish Stewart (Australia) The young Dragon has risen rapidly through the Illawarra ranks and has found himself owning the second row position in 2026. Stewart is playing in the NRL with plenty of familiar faces he spent progressing through the Steelers juniors with, and has elevated to a genuine future star in his 23 appearances in the Red V this year. Boasting a tackle efficiency rate of a tick under 95% as an 80-minute player, Stewart has received the ultimate praise from coach Dean Young, calling for him to make his Kangaroos debut in 2026. “He's a special talent (Stewart), and it wouldn't shock me if 'Kevvie' Walters picks him in the Australian tour at the end of the year; he's that good,” Young said in August. [caption id="attachment_221789" align="alignnone" width="2560"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 03: Hamish Stewart of the Dragons makes a break during the round nine NRL match between Wests Tigers and St George Illawarra Dragons at Suncorp Stadium, on May 03, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)[/caption] With an influx of injuries for Kevin Walters to navigate through, including Hudson Young, Dylan Lucas and departing Angus Crichton, Stewart may very well find himself in selection calculations for his elite versatility from eight to 13 across the engine room. Jacob Laban (Samoa) Laban has been a breakout star in 2026 and a contributing factor to the Warriors' on-field success during this season. The 22-year-old back rower made his NRL debut in 2024, playing seven games but has kicked into gear this year, with 22 matches so far as the Warriors close in on the minor premiership. [caption id="attachment_225569" align="alignnone" width="2560"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 07: Jacob Laban of the Warriors is tackled by Chris Vea'ila of the Sharks during the NRL pre-season match between Cronulla Sharks and New Zealand Warriors at Sharks Stadium on February 07, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)[/caption] Laban possesses a physical running game, making him a tackle-breaking machine and a nightmare to handle close to the line with late footwork, both showcased in his double he scored against the Knights in Round 26. Standing at 189cm and 110 kilograms, Laban is also a threat in the air, which all elite backrowers carry in their arsenal. If the Warriors go deep into the finals run, it'll only strengthen Laban's case for a Samoa debut. Ronald Volkman (Samoa) Volkman's on-field performances this season are just about the best coming-of-age story in all the NRL during 2026, showcasing elite form in the five-eighth jersey in what has been an underwhelming year for Parramatta. After being unsigned for the majority of the year and expecting to become a free agent following the Eels' final game against the Dragons in Round 27, Volkman was re-signed by the club for two more years. Volkman has played two Tests for Samoa on the England tour at the end of 2024, but has skyrocketed in selection conversations after a quality 2026 campaign. https://twitter.com/NRL/status/2093954494295932953?s=20 In 18 appearances for the blue and gold, Volkman has made 10 try assists, forced eight drop outs, and scored eight tries in what is a shining light for a tough season for Parramatta fans. As we see with all quality halves, it's taken Volkman a few years to mature and find his groove, no doubt taking his game to new heights, which could see him partner future Eels teammate Jarome Luai in the halves for Samoa. Max King (England) Bulldogs forward Max King has declared he is ready to represent England on the big stage, and adds plenty of punch to the English forward pack. He was born in Huddersfield, England, and has dual-citizenship with Australia. King was selected in the nation's preliminary 38-man squad in their preparation for the Cup earlier this year. The former Titan has already had chats with England coach Brian McDermott about pledging his allegiance to the national side, and in the process given up his opportunity to represent Australia. “I spoke to coach Brian McDermott and he excited me about England,” King said to NRL.com in June. [caption id="attachment_224484" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Max King during Game 3 of the 2025 State of Origin match between the NSW Blues and the QLD Marons. (Photo: Joshua Davis)[/caption] “I hung up the phone call and I was all in, “I've always spoken about being English and an Aussie, being a dual citizen. Hanging up that conversation, it wasn't [a tough decision] and it would be such a great opportunity for me and my family.” The NSW Blues representative has started at prop in every match for the Bulldogs in 2026, playing a minimum of 40-minutes in each match and averaging 122 metres per game. With a defensive workhorse mentality and averaging 95% tackle efficiency, McDermott will be ready to use a player proven to withstand NRL-level intensity. David Fifita (Australia) Fifita has played four Tests for Tonga and four matches for Australia in the World Nines but emerges as a serious contender for the left-side back row jersey following the injuries to Young and Lucas. Given Tonga are absolutely stacked in the second row stocks for the World Cup, he isn't necessarily locked into the squad which boasts Haumole Olakau'atu, Siua Wong, Leka Halasima, Kulikefu Finefuiaki and Samuela Fainu. Fifita has had a disputed season with injury and suspension, but has made a significant difference to the South Sydney side when on the field, recording an average of 142 metres per game. [caption id="attachment_232580" align="alignnone" width="2560"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 03: David Fifita of the Rabbitohs smiles after victory during the round five NRL match between South Sydney Rabbitohs and Canterbury Bulldogs at Accor Stadium, on April 03, 2026, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)[/caption] Pair him alongside either Cameron Munster or Nathan Cleary, and it creates a formidable sight for defending nations in their hunt for back-to-back trophies. Fifita has managed to strike a sweet balance in form throughout his 16 games for the year, narrowing in on his damaging attacking potency and providing defensive grit off the ball, which has sky-rocketed him into Walters' view. Max Plath (Australia) Plath has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the NRL's changes to speed up the game, bringing in mobile, agile forwards to cause havoc around the ruck. The 24-year-old forward made his State of Origin debut with the Maroons, playing every game in the series and was one of the Sunshine State's best. [caption id="attachment_221806" align="alignnone" width="2560"] GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 05: Max Plath of the Dolphins celebrates a try during the round five NRL match between Gold Coast Titans and Dolphins at Cbus Super Stadium, on April 05, 2025, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)[/caption] Plath has developed into a powerful defender and is one of the leading tackling machines at the Dolphins with 622 for the year at 95% efficiency. His workhorse mentality and ability to step up in state representative duties will play massively into Walters' decision if he chooses to include Plath in his forward rotations. Plath will notch up 50 NRL games this weekend, with already a bunch of praise laid onto him across the game, and a testament to his incredible start to his career and the heights he could reach. Solomone Saukuru (Fiji) Saukuru has emerged as a future star for the Wests Tigers and remains an exciting prospect for the future after progressing through the club's pathways. The Fijian rising star is a centre which flexibility to play at a high level in the second row, and already has three tries in three appearances, including a double on NRL debut against the Dragons. [caption id="attachment_219135" align="alignnone" width="2560"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 16: Solomone Saukuru of the Wests Tigers offloads during the 2025 NRL Pre-Season Challenge match between Canterbury Bulldogs and Wests Tigers at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on February 16, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)[/caption] Saukuru finished second in the top try-scoring charts in the NSW Cup, with 20 tries in 19 appearances, marking him to develop into an elite finisher at NRL level. The 21-year-old has already represented Fiji twice in last year's Pacific Championships, scoring on international debut against the Cook Islands, then followed it up with another four-pointer against PNG. He was announced in the 40-man squad for Fiji on Friday, alongside a bunch of other Tigers, including Apisai Koroisau and the Fainu trio of brothers, as he firms closer to a World Cup debut. With Fiji expecting to field a less-experienced NRL side compared to the likes of Tonga and Samoa, Saukuru has shown enough in his try-scoring prowess and international representative pedigree to warrant a spot in Mick Potter's side for October. Jack Bostock (Australia) Jack Bostock's illustrious 2026 campaign could be finished off with a Test debut if the Dolphins run deep into the finals series. With Mark Nawaqanitawase departing to Rugby, and Gehamat Shibasaki unlikely to hold his Ashes starting position from 2025, spots are opening up for Bostock to claim. After returning from an ACL rupture, Bostock has made the switch to centre, and getting his hands on the ball more has propelled his skillful ability, which earned him a call-up into the NSW Blues side for the decider. Bostock was impressive on debut, and wasn't rattled by the formidable sight of a packed Suncorp Stadium with Maroons fans. He is playing with utmost confidence with a star-studded backline surrounding him, bringing in plenty of points in the Dolphins' berth in the top four for the finals. [caption id="attachment_214780" align="alignnone" width="2560"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 19: Jack Bostock of the Dolphins celebrates scoring a try during the round 11 NRL match between Wests Tigers and Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium, on May 19, 2024, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)[/caption] Standing at a towering 193cm, the rangy centre is a threat in the air and can finish on an edge, while also having soft hands to put his winger Jamayne Isaako over for countless tries during 2026. In 13 matches this year, he has already notched 11 try assists, five tries, five line breaks and 30 tackle breaks. Bostocks gets through plenty of yardage work, and is recording over 160 metres per game with ball in hand, getting through the hard stuff while also proving to be an elite finisher. Clayton Faulalo (Samoa) Similar to Bostock, Faulalo has exploded this year and has demanded selection in the Sea Eagles' starting side next year. Faulalo has slotted in at fullback, centre, wing and five-eighth during the club's run this year, and has been a shining light in a mixed bag of a season for Manly. His versatility at a high level is impossible to ignore for Ben Gardiner, and acts as a perfect six-man bench utility to slot in anywhere from one to six if a key Samoan goes down in the game. Faulalo was a standout reserve grade player before making it into the NRL, scoring an incredible 53 tries in 60 NSW Cup games for Manly's feeder, Blacktown. After being given more opportunities at NRL level, he has flexed his strengths with deft footwork, a strong passing game and an elite finishing touch for a try. [caption id="attachment_234585" align="alignnone" width="2560"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 23: Clayton Faulalo of the Sea Eagles runs the ball during the round 12 NRL match between Manly Sea Eagles and Gold Coast Titans at 4 Pines Park on May 23, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)[/caption] With only 24 games of NRL experience, he has shown to be a threat and stands as the likely candidate to take Reuben Garrick's vacant centre position in 2027. In his 13 matches in 2026, he has eight tries, 10 try assists, eight-line breaks, 41 tackle breaks and 144 average running metres. With Samoa expected to name a star-studded backline, it gives Gardiner a strong but positive headache to juggle all its talent for a 19-man team. 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. https://twitter.com/NRL/status/1933810934994059280?s=20 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.

TEN players who have played themselves into World Cup contention

Injuries, breakout seasons and timely returns to form have opened the door for a bunch of players chasing representative honours.

9. Jacob Laban (Samoa)

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		P	W	L	PTS	+/-
1	NZW	23	17	6	40	309
2	PEN	23	17	6	40	308
3	DOL	24	17	7	40	156
4	SYD	24	16	8	38	118
5	CRO	23	14	9	34	153
6	SOU	24	14	10	34	113
7	NEW	24	14	10	34	42
8	NQL	23	13	10	32	-64