Isaah Yeo's Penrith career includes four premierships, five grand final appearances and a place in each of the past seven preliminary finals.
But his fitness and representative record leave uncertainty over whether he will wear the Kangaroos' number 13 at the World Cup.
Newcastle Knights eliminated Penrith from the NRL finals last weekend, but the latest update gave no indication whether Yeo could play with a ruptured pectoral muscle.
Discussions with medical staff are understood to be continuing this week, with a decision expected before Kevin Walters names the squad on Monday morning.
Yeo is not the only contender for lock and may not be the favourite.
His return this year despite the pectoral injury showed Penrith's regard for him, but questions about his representative performances have followed him throughout his career.
Although he should feature in most representative squads, his style at that level may suit prop better than lock.