Australia's decision to use James Tedesco as a reserve has prompted calls for Blayke Brailey to be included instead.
Tedesco can cover Reece Walsh at fullback and could move to the wing if an injury occurs. Tom Trbojevic covers fullback, while Ethan Strange can cover the halves and centre, but neither is a natural replacement for hooker Harry Grant.
Before the semi-final, Greg Alexander and Jimmy Smith raised the risk of Grant being injured. "The only cover for Harry Grant is Ethan Strange, but he doesn't play dummy-half," Alexander said on SEN Radio.
Smith warned that an injury to Grant in the first three minutes could leave Australia under pressure for the rest of the game. Fans remain divided over whether Brailey should be added to the bench to cover Grant or provide another option from the sideline.
Meanwhile, Latrell Mitchell's role in the tournament remains unclear. He was reportedly sick during the week before Australia's opening match against New Zealand, where his performance was quieter than usual, and he has not started since.
Bradman Best returned from a tournament-opening rest to play on the left, while Kotoni Staggs has occupied the right centre spot in all four games. Some fans want Mitchell to start and Staggs dropped, but coach Mal Meninga has retained the Brisbane centre despite below-par displays.
Mitchell was omitted from the 19-man squad update 24 hours before the final because of illness. The withdrawal ends his season, after limited game time raised questions among fans who had expected him to play a major role.