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.
5. 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.
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.
Hamish Stewart ? hmmm. Good but not that good, yet.