Mitch Moses may choose Australia over Lebanon at the home World Cup if Nathan Cleary's foot injury removes the Penrith halfback from contention.
Cleary suffered a bone-stress problem during the second half of Penrith's NRL qualifying-final win over the Roosters.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said the injury was caused by overuse, although he expects his son to play the preliminary final with reduced training.
A lengthy season and the additional World Cup campaign, beginning in October, could still force Cleary to withdraw and focus on recovery.
Moses is included in Kevin Walters' preliminary 40-man squad, alongside Tom Dearden, Cameron Munster, Ethan Strange, Sam Walker and Matt Burton.
Australia will name its final 23 players after the NRL grand final, leaving Moses' international future with Walters and the selectors.
He represented Lebanon at the 2017 and 2022 World Cups, but AAP understands he would prioritise Australia if selected.
Walters has indicated loyalty to the squad that swept England in last year's Ashes, with Moses having toured despite missing all three Tests.
After criticism for omitting him from the matches, Moses said: "I completely understand it," and added, "I feel like if I was in that position I wouldn't want to give up my spot either. You have to put the team first and the country first."