SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 25: Sunia Turuva of Fiji passes during the Men's International Test Match between Papua New Guinea and Fiji at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on June 25, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
It's the Rugby League World Cup - a cross-cultural melting pot with teams from the Americas, Europe and the Pacific ready to do battle.
But with 16 teams in the men's competition and hundreds of names to familiarise yourself with, we've had a look at the squads to determine just who are the three players from each nation you need to be watching.
Jack Welsby
The 21-year-old has been a revelation for English champions St Helens since he was handed his debut all the way back in 2018. With the ability to play multiple positions in the spine and on the edges as well as a readiness to ride the pine for an opportunity, Welsby capped off a sensational 2022 campaign with a Man of Steel nomination.
He finished a championship year with 13 tries, finished third in the league for try assists with 27, third for tackle-breaks with 116 and also added 14 line-breaks. He's also comfortable in the clutch, kicking two drop goals over the course of the season – including a match-winner against Wakefield. He's only young, but pay attention, because you'll likely be hearing his name for a long time.
Dominic Young
A promising young talent who's starting to deliver on his potential for the Newcastle Knights, Young has impressed coach Shaun Wane in his warm-up game hit-out against Fiji, scoring one try and getting regularly involved.
He's grown in confidence during his time in the Steel City, finishing his first full season of NRL with an impressive 14 tries in 20 games despite his team's struggles. He's added an extra layer of intrigue to the competition given he was originally a walk-in to the Jamaican starting side with his brother, but Young caused a stir when he announced he wanted to represent England instead, despite likely having to fight for his spot with 376-game Super League veteran Ryan Hall. Regardless of who Wane decides to start with in the tournament opener against Fiji, expect Young to get his shot at some point.
John Bateman
NRL fans will already be familiar with Bateman given his two-year stint in Canberra that also earned him Dally M second-rower of the year honours. Though he sought an early release from his contract to return home, reports have surfaced in recent weeks that he wants to come back to Australia again, so expect plenty of clubs to be taking note.
But there's another narrative surrounding Bateman as well after he received a three-match suspension Wigan's Super League semi-final loss to Leeds. He has already had two games cleared after missing the warm-up game against Fiji and an England Knights game, so the 28-year-old will likely come out with a point to prove against France in the second game of the tournament.
Ben Garcia
Garcia's name may look familiar to some NRL fans – and that's because he did spend some time in Australia, joining the Penrith Panthers on a two-year deal in 2016. Unfortunately, he never earned that first NRL appearance, rejoining Catalans Dragons just months later.
He's played 189 games for the team he made his debut for in 2013, and has taken over the captaincy since the retirement of Remi Casty, working very closely with club and current national team coach Laurent Frayssinous. Renowned for his work rate at both ends of the pitch, this will be Garcia's third World Cup for France.
Cesar Rouge
At the other end of the spectrum is Rouge, a young half just 20 years old and with just eight first-grade games of experience to draw upon after making his Super League debut in 2021. Interestingly, he's also yet to experience victory as a starter but is undefeated from the bench at club level. He spent time in France learning from James Maloney and has also spent time in training camps with the Melbourne Storm.
He's easy to spot thanks to his Thurston-like preference for headgear, but he has an incredible turn of pace and a dangerous step that's likely to catch some defenders off-guard and is only going to get better. He made his national team debut this year, starting at halfback in a comprehensive victory over Wales and proved himself ready for the responsibility. Remember the name.
Fouad Yaha
Known as ‘the French Finisher' – at least on YouTube – Yaha is the most prolific try scorer on the team, a proven success at Super League level with 100 four-pointers in just 149 appearances for Catalans Dragons – though he is yet to cross the line in five appearances at international level.
The 26-year-old enjoyed a career-best season in 2022, scoring 24 tries in 25 games to finish in the Super League's Top 5 try scorers – beating his previous best haul of 15 by scoring 10 tries in five games before the finals. Given the majority of the French squad are already playing together at club level, expect Yaha to grab his first international try at the tournament, and maybe a couple more.
Joseph Suaali'i
This is about the easiest call we could make. All eyes will be on Suaali'i when Samoa kick off their tournament against the hosts in the opening game in Newcastle, and with good reason. In his first full season at NRL level Suaali'i has been a revelation, scoring 15 tries in 19 appearances, breaking 64 tackles and averaging 138 metres per game.
The highly rated 19-year-old has gone from strength to strength in 2022, and was considered a certainty to play for Australia before expressing his intent to represent the Pacific nation. With incredible pace and a wealth of natural talent, expect him to see a lot of the ball as a member of Samoa's world-class backline.
Spencer Leniu
A two-time premiership winner, Leniu finished of 2022 in career-best form, making a notable impact from the bench every time he took the field, and as damaging as he was at NRL level, he'll make an explosive impact and cause any defence further headaches when he takes the field to replace Junior Paulo or Josh Papalii.
But he's not just a hard-running tackling machine either, with an ability to not just break the line but to find it as well, scoring six tries this season – impressive for a prop who plays almost exclusively off the pine. With a number of clubs closely monitoring his future, expect the 22-year-old to become a highly-prized target after he consolidates his standing at the World Cup.
Fa'amanu Brown
After struggling for regular opportunity in the NRL for a number of years, a season in England's second division seems to have reinvigorated Brown, and he seemed a new man when he returned to the NRL for Wests Tigers in 2022. He made just 36 NRL appearances between 2014-19 before moving to Featherstone in 2021, where he set the competition alight scoring 16 tries in just 25 appearances – playing primarily in the halves.
After a return to Australia, he found his way into the Wests Tigers team and was a breath of fresh air during a disappointing run home for the club, scoring two tries off the bench in his first appearance before securing the starting No.9 role. After years of patience the 27-year-old has taken his opportunity with both hands, and expect his fine fettle to continue at the tournament.
Lachlan Ilias
As if 2022 could get any bigger for Ilias – first taking the reins as South Sydney Rabbitohs halfback following Adam Reynolds' departure, and now capping it off with selection in Greece's World Cup squad. Though he took a little while to get going at the Rabbitohs, by the end of the season he was looking like a seasoned NRL half, and that's bound to be of huge benefit to the national team.
The 22-year-old played 26 games this year and finished with 12 try assists despite sharing much of the attacking responsibility with Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell. He'll have far more responsibility for the attack in the national team set-up, but after a year of incredible growth and development he won't be over-awed by the task at hand.
Billy Magoulias
Magoulias has endured a far different 2022 to Ilias, arriving in England to play for Warrington after limited opportunities with Cronulla in the NRL, but after 12 games for the English club he headed back home after securing a release on compassionate grounds – but it shouldn't be forgotten what a creative excitement machine the back-rower is when on form.
It was three years ago that Magoulias made history for Newtown in consecutive weeks, with match-winning plays out of nothing as the clock wound down and his team trailed in both the NSW Cup grand final and the State Championship game a week later. He has an under-rated kicking ability and a high level of game awareness that is perfectly suited to tournament conditions, and with an NRL return in his crosshairs, he has everything to play for.
Chaise Robinson
After missing the majority of 2021 thanks to an ankle injury, Robinson has enjoyed an exemplary, if stop-start campaign for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the Jersey Flegg competition. Though he was unable to make his NSW Cup debut this season it's expected to come in the near future, with the Sydney-born teen's reputation growing by the year.
The Greek team is likely to benefit from the Rabbitohs system, with Robinson joining Ilias and 21-year-old Peter Mamouzelos as South Sydney squad members continuing to work together in the national team.
Jeremiah Nanai
Where better to start than the 2022 NRL Rookie of the Year, riding high after a magnificent season both individually and for his club?
It's no secret how important Nanai ended up being to the Cowboys' premiership chances in 2022. With an ability to break the line at any time and some phenomenal talent under the high ball, Nanai has also worked hard on the defensive lapses that drew criticism during the middle of the year. Though the team is stacked with back-row options, look for Nanai to make the most of his opportunities and remind us all of the explosive talent he has.
Campbell Graham
We all know by now how close Graham was to representing the Bravehearts after assuming he wouldn't be selected for Australia – but he'll be wearing green and gold after catching Meninga's eye despite being in talks with the Scots for nearly a year. Though he might not be selected for every game, he's one to keep an eye on when he gets his shot.
Graham earns his cap as the only member of the squad who hasn't had State of Origin exposure, but there's little doubt he'll be up to the task when called upon after another strong season for the Rabbitohs. In 20 games he only scored five tries – playing on the opposite side to the Rabbitohs preferred left edge, but he's a proven tackle breaker who isn't afraid to take the hard runs out of the middle, averaging 143 metres per game in 2022.
Ben Hunt
After coming so close to the Dally M medal in a remarkable individual season, Hunt will be happy to have his contract issues sorted and escape the constant scrutiny of the NRL season.
Likely to play in the No.9 jersey – which he confirmed he has no desire to do for the Red V – Hunt has already talked about the enjoyment he gets from playing dummy-half at rep level. That was abundantly clear with his excellent efforts during this year's Origin series, in which he scored the match-winning try in the decider, taking a chip kick off the boot of Nathan Cleary and running 80-metres in an iconic effort. Though he was clearly burdened by having to carry his club team at points throughout the season, expect Hunt to remind us of just how good he is during the tournament.
Siua ‘Josh' Wong
When Phil Gould calls you the ‘next big thing' and compares you to a young Boyd Cordner you must be doing something right, and that's exactly the kind of raps that have been placed on Wong as his development continues in Bondi.
Wong hasn't made his NRL debut yet but after being named on the extended bench for the Roosters' Round 24 clash with Melbourne it's expected he'll be a bigger part of Trent Robinson's plans in 2023. The 19-year-old has risen rapidly through the ranks over five years, making his NSW Cup debut this year and not looking out of place. A former Scots College rugby talent, Wong is one to keep an eye out for as Fiji.
Tui Kamikamica
We all know what the towering Melbourne Storm prop is capable of at his damaging best, but though he has grown in status in Victoria and worked his way into Craig Bellamy's starting side, he's been able to rely on the Bromwich brothers and Nelson Asofa-Solomona for back-up, tried and tested veterans, proven at the highest level.
While the Fijian pack is still impressive, it lacks that high-level experience that Kamikamica has grown used to. But with Jesse and Kenny now gone from Melbourne, the tournament could help the towering prop prepare for a bigger role at club level in 2023 as well. He will need to lead the pack with bravery against Australia. They'll struggle to succeed without him.
Sunia Turuva
It's a testament to the strength of Penrith's back-line that Turuva only made his NRL debut – and two further appearances – this year. The highly-rated 20-year-old has been excelling at NSW Cup level for the Panthers in the meantime.
Playing fullback, the role he'll likely take for Fiji at the World Cup, Turuva scored 13 tries in 20 appearances this year – including a double in the NSW Cup grand final against Canterbury as the Panthers claimed the premiership. He also made his international debut this year, scoring two tries in Fiji's otherwise disappointing loss to PNG. He might be a relative unknown at this early stage of his career, but you'll remember his youthful exuberance in a few years when he's an NRL mainstay.
Nathan Brown
He's not the only NRL player in the Italian squad, but after a disappointing season and with an uncertain future facing him, expect Brown to come out with a point to prove as Italy try to improve on their one group stage win from 2017.
Brown's season was affected by form and injury, but he was brought into the squad for the Grand Final by coach Brad Arthur despite not playing NRL since Round 17. He struggled to make an impact in the mere 26 minutes he was afforded that night, but a lot more will be expected of him on the world stage, and he'll be happy to deliver.
Luke Polselli
He may have spent much of his career as a perennial reserve grader, but Polselli has made an impact wherever he goes. After coming through the Panthers' lower-grades and securing a Jersey Flegg premiership success with Cronulla back in 2018, Polselli also helped Newtown defeat Burleigh in the 2019 State Championship on grand final day. He developed a reputation as a hard-working livewire, before moving to Queensland in 2020 due to limited opportunities in the Shire.
After a COVID-impacted season with Mackay, he found his way to the Sunshine Coast and has since returned to form. His numbers have been remarkable, with 22 tries and 19 try assists in 29 appearances. He also averages 135 metres a game. While he faces a battle for the No.1 jersey, his experience and consistency are likely to work in his favour.
Cooper Johns
Another exciting young playmaker, Johns and Polselli will be familiar with each other after Johns spent time playing for the Sunshine Coast during his time with the Melbourne Storm due to the club's feeder arrangement. Being behind Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster at the club has limited Johns to just four NRL appearances this year, but he showed he was ready when opportunity knocked, setting up three tries in those appearances.
Off-contract following the season's conclusion, Johns will certainly benefit from an impressive showing on the world stage as he aims to secure his future at club level.
Euan Aitken
Aitken returns to the Bravehearts lineup for the first time since making his international debut for them during the 2016 Four Nations, where he scored a try in Scotland's historic draw with New Zealand.
Since that time Aitken has made a name for himself as one of the most consistent, hard-working and underrated players in the game, moving to the Warriors in 2021 after six years in the Red V. He's matured rapidly in that time, and was rewarded for his efforts with the 2022 Simon Mannering Medal as the Warriors' best player ahead of his move to the Dolphins. With the ability to play in the centres or the second-row, he'll also offer some much-needed high-level versatility to the Scottish squad.
Lachlan Walmsley
The Bravehearts aren't exactly stacked for talent when it comes to the outside backs, but they'll be hoping Walmsley can continue his fine tryscoring form at club level on the international stage. A reliable goalkicker, the 24-year-old made his international debut in a draw against Jamaica, with the Bravehearts only kept in the contest by Walmsley's accuracy with the boot.
While his goals will be valuable, his ability to score tries will prove even moreso. Walmsley has scored 45 tries in just 46 second-division appearances for Whitehaven and Halifax. While it's arguable the quality of opponents will be significantly higher, it's clear that Walmsley knows how to find the line, and the Scots will be relying on him to do so if they're any hope of causing an upset.
Dale Ferguson
The captain and most experienced member of the side will enter his third and last World Cup aiming to go out on a high. The 34-year-old has been playing for the national team for over a decade, ringing up 19 caps in that time for six tries. His team will be turning to him for experience, insight and passion.
His storied career began all the way back in 2008 with his debut for Wakefield Trinity, and since then he's gone on to play 183 games across the Super League and Second Division, spending the last two years with Dewsbury Town. Though he starts primarily from the bench these days, expect Ferguson to epitomise the Braveheart spirit – as he has since his Scottish debut in 2010.
Dylan Brown
It's been an incredible year for Brown, who not only found the best form of his young career in the NRL but also made his Test debut for New Zealand and played in an NRL Grand Final. It's hard to think of a 22-year-old as a leader but the growth not only in Brown's game but also his maturity this year means he'll be huge in guiding the team around the park.
He more than doubled his next-best season haul for tries in 2022, finishing with 11 tries and setting up 17 more and also averaging 125 metres a game, emphasising his ability to take on the line with one of the best steps currently going around.
Joseph Tapine
As just one of a handful of Kiwis players who also participated in the 2017 tournament, Tapine will remember the pain of those back-to-back losses against Tonga and Fiji. But just like the national team Tapine has grown a lot in the last five years, and is in career-best form at the perfect time.
Named alongside Payne Haas as Prop of the Year at the Dally M awards, Tapine has become one of the most consistent front-rowers in the game. He led the league for post-contact metres, finished third for offloads and fifth in overall metres and was rewarded for his efforts with a four-year, multi-million-dollar contract extension. After proving so much already this year, expect to see Tapine emerge as the Kiwis most damaging prop in a colossal pack.
Jeremy Marshall-King
Reaching his 100th NRL game, setting personal bests for appearances and tries in a season and taking home the Bulldogs' Player of the Year award, Marshall-King is arguably in career-best form ahead of the World Cup, and is expected to get the nod as first-choice dummy-half in Michael Maguire's side ahead of Brandon Smith as he prepares to make his international debut.
Though the Bulldogs still struggled throughout the season it wasn't through a lack of effort from their dummy-half, who played every game, finishing in the Top 10 in the NRL for tackles, scoring five tries and setting up another four. In career-best form and with his future already sorted ahead of a move to the Dolphins in 2023, expect to see Marshall-King play with freedom and confidence in an already strong side.
Luke Keary
While the Wolfhounds were competitive at the last World Cup, the addition of Sydney Roosters five-eighth and Clive Churchill Medal winner Luke Keary takes them from an outside chance of securing second spot to a bona fide contender to escape the group. Despite playing two Tests for Australia, Keary has been clear on his intent to represent the Irish for a while now.
Though he didn't cross the line too many times himself in 2022, he finished second in the NRL for try assists with 22, one behind incoming Lebanon rival Mitchell Moses. He also finished fourth in line-break assists. Having spent the past two seasons as the experienced playmaker ahead of Sam Walker, expect to see Keary shine in a leadership role in the national team set-up.
Harry Rushton
There are question marks over the kind of impression Rushton could have made on the NRL had his time in Australia not been cut short by the global pandemic and he'd been given a proper opportunity to shine. Though he was highly rated when the Canberra Raiders picked him up on a three-year deal, the 21-year-old only made three NRL appearances from the bench before suffering a broken jaw that ultimately led to his release.
Despite his lack of recent exposure for scouts to work with, news of Rushton's availability was met with keen interest by a number of Super League clubs before Huddersfield secured his services. Expect to find out why with some strong showings.
Robbie Mulhern
Most teams are fielding a mix of youth and experience and the Irish are no exception, with Leigh Centurions prop Robbie Mulhern having made his national team debut all the way back in 2014 – but he also hasn't played for the Irish squad since 2015, representing England once in the interim.
He made a name for himself at Hull KR before a move to Warrington in 2021, helping the team to a finals appearance where they were ultimately undone by his old team. With 135 games of experience at the highest level, Mulhern's experience will prove vital if the Irish intend on escaping the group stages.
Mitchell Moses
Moses was key to Lebanon's incredible 2017 World Cup run, which was ended in heartbreaking fashion after a valiant two-point loss to heavyweights Tonga – and the Cedars will need him to step up again if they're any hope of progressing out of the group.
His influence is unmistakable and everyone knows that when he's switched on he's one of the most damaging and creative playmakers in the business. Free from the weight of expectation and scrutiny that comes from playing in a blue and gold jersey week-in and week-out, expect to see Moses in improvisational mode, sparking the engaging attacking play Lebanon became renowned for at the last tournament.
Jacob Kiraz
Though he only made his NRL debut this year, this won't be Kiraz's first call up to the national team after playing two Tests in 2019, scoring two tries in the halfback role during a 42-16 win over Fiji. Clearly not lacking in confidence, it will be interesting to see how damaging Kiraz can be at international level after a number of thrilling performances for the Bulldogs' NRL team this year.
Kiraz scored six tries in just 15 appearances, including a first career hat-trick in the Round 20 win against Newcastle. He's also proven difficult to contain thanks to his considerable frame and speed, breaking 52 tackles along the way. But should the defence put extra cover on him to minimise his threat, he's incredibly capable of an offload, firing off 33 in his first season despite limited opportunity.
Abbas Miski
While Josh Mansour is likely to earn the other starting wing spot, Penrith-born Abbas Miski has impressed during a two-year stint in England seeking further opportunities. Originally a reserve grade mainstay, he made his NRL debut for Manly in 2019 as cover for Jorge Taufua. He scored twice in limited opportunities but was ultimately forced abroad.
Though he's still struggled for first-team opportunities, Miski has made the most of what he's been given since the move. He scored 18 tries in 21 appearances for the London Broncos, catching the eye of Wigan Warriors. Though maintaining a first-team spot was still difficult behind two of the top five tryscorers in the league (Bevan French and Liam Marshall), Miski still finished with 8 tries in seven appearances, including a four-try haul. A capable scorer with a point to prove.
Abevia McDonald
McDonald is a true success story for the Reggae Warriors, one of just two Jamaican players so far to sign a professional contract after emerging in the domestic league. He first started playing rugby league less than 10 years ago after originally playing football. He worked his way through the college system in Jamaica and then through the domestic competition before moving to England in 2019.
Currently a member of the London Skolars club, after some initial struggles McDonald has made a name for himself in the reserve grade side and forced his own promotion to the first team. This year he scored six tries in just eight appearances. What makes him one to watch is his very strong build matched with searing pace. If he can fend off a defender and get into some open space, you'll be amazed.
Izaac Farrell
With experience from the Super League through to England's third division, Izaac Farrell has experienced a lot since making his debut for Huddersfield five years ago as a 19-year-old . He'll form a dynamic halves pairing with James Woodburn-Hall, but Farrell is expected to take the lion's share of the kicking duties at the tournament, should he win out for the position over newcomer Kieran Rush.
In 2020, Farrell moved to Sheffield, where he now plays with brother Joel, who is also a member of the squad – the only remaining pair of siblings on the national team following Dominic Young's decision to represent England.
Ben Jones-Bishop
A veteran of the side, the 34-year-old outside back brings over 200 games of Super League experience to the team, having won back-to-back titles with Leeds in 2011-12 and scoring a try against Manly in the Rhinos' 2012 World Club Challenge victory.
Though he's had limited opportunities in the national side, he's already scored four tries in three appearances at international level, to go with nearly 150 tries at Super League level and a total of 175 across 289 total first class games. Though this is likely to be his last World Cup appearance, expect him to do everything he can to help the Reggae Warriors to a historic win.
Ashton Golding
Another of the more experienced players in the Jamaican team, Golding also brings valuable utility experience, having played at fullback, in the outside backs and even at dummy-half for the Reggae Warriors' warm-up game against Cumbria – a position he may be expected to fill during the tournament.
The 26-year-old made a name for himself at Leeds, spending five years at the club as a fullback before moving to second-division Featherstone, helping them to within one game of a Super League return thanks to his footwork, strength and pace. He returned to the Super League with Huddersfield a year later, and played for the Giants in this year's Challenge Cup final
Talatau 'Junior' Amone
Another promising young talent, 20-year-old Amone was handed his NRL debut by the Dragons last year and has grown in confidence in 2022, securing a place in the starting side and earning a contract extension. He also made his Test debut in Tonga's mid-season encounter with New Zealand, which will give him some handy experience heading into the tournament.
Despite the Red V's struggles, Amone finished the year with admirable numbers including six tries and 13 try assists, and he'll be striving for a similar impact at international level, regardless of exactly where he will fit in Kristian Woolf's side.
Siosifa Talakai
While some have said he's been hyped up over one game, what a game it was. Though he didn't reach those heights – or double figures – again during the season, Talakai's 17 tackle breaks against a hapless Newcastle team helped elevate his status and get him into Brad Fittler's NSW Origin side. And though he didn't destroy any other teams quite so much, the reputation he's developed has not gone undeserved.
Talakai is an absolute wrecking ball who might look like he should be running up the middle as a forward, but stays on the edge to terrorise the defensive uncertainty of outside backs. He is going to monster a few aspiring wingers and centres from lower-ranked nations, though it remains to be seen if he can replicate that impact against the might of Australia, New Zealand, England or Samoa.
David Fifita
Need we say more? Where Jason Taumalolo led from the front for Mate Ma'a Tonga in 2017, Fifita will take on the responsibility this year. After a disappointing season on the Gold Coast in which he was regularly scapegoated as a contributing factor who wasn't living up to his price tag, expect Fifita to remind everyone why you shouldn't poke the bear.
We know he can destroy a team almost single handedly. So will the defensive lines of other teams. But despite the planning and strategy sessions, stopping him is another thing entirely. Don't wonder if Fifita is going to have a big World Cup – expect it.
Kayal Iro
He may be the son of the coach but make no mistake, Iro has earned his ticket to the World Cup after a sensational season for the Newtown Jets, taking the iconic club to a minor premiership. He finished the NSW Cup season first for post-contact metres and overall metres, fifth in tries (14), third in line breaks, second in tackle breaks and also set up six tries.
Though the Jets couldn't get the job done with a premiership, Iro's form saw him earn his NRL debut, with the likelihood of more first-team opportunities looking high for 2023 – but a strong showing at the World Cup won't hurt his chances either.
Dylan Napa
While some have found the big man's inclusion a bit mystifying, they shouldn't. Napa played for the Kuki's at the 2013 World Cup and brings a wealth of experience to the side, playing 20 Super League games for Catalans this year, adding to his 176 NRL appearances.
We all know what Napa is capable of at his best and his experience will prove a valuable asset to a pack already containing Zane Tetevano and Tepai Moeroa – a line-up that certainly gives the Cook Islands an advantage in what promises to be a close battle for second spot.
Esan Marsters
It's safe to say the last few years haven't gone the way Marsters would have wanted, after bursting onto the NRL scene as a tackle-breaking, goal-kicking dynamo at Wests Tigers. He's since had stints in North Queensland and the Gold Coast but he has averaged fewer than eight game a season since he departed Concord.
But despite his struggles in the NRL, Marsters was still named captain for his country in the mid-season loss to Samoa, and now that he's secured a deal to head to Huddersfield next year, where more opportunities are likely to present themselves, he'll be headed to the UK with a fresh outlook and can hopefully remind the rugby league world of how damaging he can be.
Alex Johnston
Despite a one-off appearance for the Kangaroos all the way back in 2015, Johnston will bear the brunt of PNG's tryscoring responsibility following the retirement of Kumuls icon David Mead. And so it should, after another record-breaking season saw Johnston cross the line 30 times.
While it's likely he won't be quite as prolific in the Kumuls side, it serves as a great opportunity for Johnston to remind us all that he's not just adept at finishing off slick left-side moves – especially as he's likely to return to the fullback position - a role he's just as deadly in as he is playing out on the edges.
Nene Macdonald
The towering winger seemingly vanished off the face of the earth after his stint at the Cronulla Sharks came to an abrupt end in 2020, and it looked like Macdonald might have cruised off into the sunset – but his career has been given welcome boost by second division English team Leigh Centurions, who he joined in 2022.
Moving one position infield and playing at centre, MacDonald has rediscovered his scoring ability, crossing for 25 tries in just 26 appearances. Though such a haul still didn't land him the division's top tryscorer honour, to see the quick and rangy outside back scoring again will have Kumuls fans excited as he prepares for his third World Cup.
Rhyse Martin
While we all know the excitement that Xavier Coates and Justin Olam will add, NRL fans may have forgotten about the Kumuls' new captain Rhyse Martin after he too departed the league just 25 games into his first grade career with Canterbury. A hard-running back-rower with a deceptive step and a great goal-kicking ability, Martin moved to England when job security came calling.
He's certainly made the most of his time in Leeds, and 2022 has seen some of his best form yet in a great sign for the national team. Martin has hit personal bests for games in a season, scored 11 tries (his next best season haul was four) and helped the Rhinos get all the way to the Super League final. He may have been forgotten by some on this side of the equator, but look for Martin to give us a number of reminders in a competitive group.
Caleb Aekins
A former Panthers and Raiders player, Aekins' decision to move to England in the off-season and seek more first-team opportunities has paid off handsomely after an excellent season for Leigh resulted in his first international call up for Wales.
The 24-year-old has been a model of consistency as the Centurions surged towards the top of the table, scoring 20 tries in 31 appearances, including four doubles and a Challenge Cup hat-trick against Widnes. With excellent pace and an ability to chew through attacking metres, Aekins will need to be huge for the Dragons if they're any chance of escaping the group.
Rhys Williams
Perhaps the most experienced member of the squad, this will likely be Williams' last chance to help his team escape the group stage at his third attempt. The 32-year-old has played an impressive 30 Tests for his nation and has added 22 tries along the way, proving that he can find the line at international level.
Williams' development has continued since his arrival at Salford from London for the start of the 2020 season, finishing the year as part of the squad that was beaten by one-point in a thrilling Challenge Cup final. 2022 was the first year since he moved to the Devils that he's missed a number of games thanks to an ankle injury, but after returning at the start of July he hasn't missed a beat.
Bailey Antrobus
Some Red V fans may be wondering where they know this name from after Antrobus spent the last two years as a member of the Red V's NSW Cup squad. While Rhys Williams brings a wealth of experience, Antrobus is at the other end of his career having just one cap for Wales so far.
Despite signing an NRL pre-season training contract at the start of the year, Antrobus found himself fighting for opportunities in a talented backline roster containing the Feagai brothers, Cody Ramsey and Tyrell Sloan, Antrobus made the sudden move across the globe in May this year, linking up with UK second division side the York City Knights, moving from the edges to the back row and scoring a few tries in the process.