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.
7. 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.
“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.
Hamish Stewart ? hmmm. Good but not that good, yet.