Ethan Strange is a shadow player for the Kangaroos, while Simaima Taufa represents the Jillaroos in the Rugby League World Cup.
One Canberra Raiders star is bound to represent Australia at the Rugby League World Cup, while another is waiting in the shadows for a late call-up.
Ethan Strange has missed out on a place in Kevin Walters' 23-man Kangaroos squad for the World Cup on home soil but has been named a shadow player, while Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner has named Simaima Taufa in a squad heavily favoured to clinch another World Cup.
Tom Dearden, Cameron Munster, Mitchell Moses and premiership-winning Sydney Roosters halfback Sam Walker have been named as Walters' preferred options in the halves.
Strange - who made his State of Origin debut this year and toured with the Kangaroos last year - has been included in a wider squad as a shadow player ahead of what Australian Rugby League Commission executive chairman Peter V'landys calls "the most open World Cup in some time".