Australian coach Kevin Walters has given his biggest clue about who he wants playing in his back line for the upcoming World Cup.
When appearing on Fox League's Late Night with Matty Johns, the panel discussed the individual battle between Herbie Farnworth and Robert Toia in Friday night's preliminary final, with Walter chiming in with a telling Kangaroos selection hint.
"Two of the players that went head-to-head, it's going to be a great World Cup because one's playing for Tonga and the other one is playing for England. Robert Toia versus Herbie Farnworth," Johns said.
"One mightn't be playing for Tonga, Matty," Walters interjected
It is a massive hint suggesting Walters is keen on having Toia play in the green and gold for his upcoming campaign.
Many would assume Toia is a walk-in for the right centre spot for Tonga, but coach Kristian Woolf may find himself without the Roosters star in his World Cup plans.
"Two of the best centres in the game at the moment. Rob just gets himself in the game. He's had some serious injuries early in his career, two knee reconstructions, but he's come back in the last couple of years," Walters added.
"His Origin form was very good, and on Friday night against the Dolphins, Herbie would be the toughest centre to come up against, but he did a great job.
"Herbie was very quiet. Kept him out of the game."
It is unknown whether Toia is keen to don the Australia jersey, but if Walters' comments are anything to go by, he is among the first choices for the centres heading into squad selection time.
Toia made his international debut with Tonga in the Pacific Championships last year, following an elite debut NRL season.
He lined up at right centre against Pacific rivals Samoa in Round 2 of the tournament.
With a solitary Test to his name, Toia could find himself in a star-studded Kangaroos line-up following another impressive season for the Roosters and further Queensland Maroons honours.
Former Maroons coach Billy Slater opted to select Toia after a handful of NRL games for an Origin debut in 2025.
He went on to be selected in every Origin match since his representative debut in Game 1 last year.
The 22-year-old centre showcases elite defence, a statement quality he brings to a side.
Toia has built a reputation by effectively marking his opposite centre to limit their impact, as shown with Farnworth in the Roosters' preliminary showdown.
Australia kick off the World Cup against New Zealand on October 15 in Sydney.
