Former NRL player Jimmy Smith argued that Panthers winger Tom Jenkins should have replaced Ethan Strange in Australia's World Cup squad.
Strange, a Canberra Raiders five-eighth, was initially named as a shadow player and missed the official 23-player squad.
After Mitch Moses was ruled out for the rest of the tournament, coach Kevin Walters called Strange in Thailand and offered him a likely debut if he returned.
Strange cut short his holiday with partner Milayna and was named on the bench against Cook Islands on Saturday.
Speaking in Townsville on Wednesday, Strange said the chance was special for a 22-year-old: "I was ecstatic."
Walters' decision left Australia with four playmakers: Cameron Munster, Tom Dearden, Sam Walker and Strange, despite no pressing need for another.
Smith told SEN radio he had checked the rules after claims replacements had to be like-for-like.
He said the by-law only requires medical certification that a player is out.
Smith said the squad effectively lacked wingers, with only Tom Trbojevic and Jack Bostock available; Trbojevic was not actually a winger.
He had warned throughout the tournament about the risks of injury or poor form on the wing.
Smith said, "A winger out of form. Tom scores three tries, but gives up three."