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Cleary injury could lead to more World Cup tugs-of-war
Scott Bailey, AAP • September 16th, 2026 7:30 pm
Parramatta star Mitch Moses is eligible to play for both Australia and Lebanon at the World Cup | Photo; Mark Evans/AAP
Mitch Moses is expected to prioritise Australia if an international tug of war breaks out, after Nathan Cleary's bone damage left the Penrith star in doubt for the World Cup.
The Panthers have indicated Cleary could play in their NRL preliminary final against either the Warriors or Newcastle this month despite his foot injury, with the halfback on light duties until then.
But what role he will be able to play in the World Cup is questionable, given the superstar No. 7's bone-stress injury in his right foot is a result of overuse.
The injury to Penrith superstar Nathan Cleary has been blamed on overuse | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
Moses, meanwhile, headlines a throng of players who appeared in multiple nations' preliminary 40-man squads, when entered to World Cup officials this month.
The Parramatta halfback is one of several playmakers understood to be in Australia's group, alongside Cleary, Tom Dearden, Cameron Munster, Ethan Strange, Sam Walker and Matt Burton.
Moses did not play in last year's Ashes, but the fact he was picked for that tour and travelled with the team shows the regard in which Kevin Walters holds the Eels star.
The 31-year-old featured in both the 2017 and 2022 World Cups for Lebanon and would be guaranteed to wear the No. 7 jersey if he runs out for the Cedars.
But AAP understands Moses would choose Australia if picked in the final 23-man squad, which will be confirmed after the NRL grand final.
Mitch Moses represented Lebanon at the 2017 and 2022 World Cups | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Lebanon have already been dealt a blow with five-eighth Adam Doueihi undergoing shoulder surgery.
Beyond Moses, several other players still have their futures up in the air just four weeks out from the start of the tournament.
It's believed Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is likely to prioritise playing for Australia ahead of Samoa, after also forming part of last year's Ashes tour.
Fa'asuamaleaui would have been a massive boost for a Samoan side who have also lost Payne Haas to off-season surgery.
Jacob Laban and Tanner Stowers-Smith also have Samoan heritage but are likely to play for the Kiwis, while Jamayne Isaako is also available for both nations.
Robert Toia is understood to have indicated to Tonga coach Kristian Woolf he is committed to play for them, regardless of other interest.
Sydney Roosters teammate Siua Wong is in a similar position and will make himself available for Tonga.
Fonua Pole and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak could play for New Zealand or Tonga, as can rising Roosters star Salesi Foketi.
Recently retired Raiders prop Josh Papalii is in both the Cook Islands and Samoa squads | Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP
Canberra veteran Josh Papalii has previously weighed up playing for either Samoa or the Cook Islands, but there is no guarantee he will feature for either after his NRL retirement.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Xavier Willison also appear in the Cook Islands squad as well as New Zealand's, while Oregon Kaufusi could line up for Samoa or Tonga.
Officials are also still completing eligibility checks on a number of players, with Wests Tigers brothers Samuela, Latu and Sione Fainu yet to be cleared to play for Fiji.
The trio are all eligible for Tonga, but have indicated their preference is to represent Fiji later this year.
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