Nene Macdonald will line up at centre for Papua New Guinea against England in Wollongong on Friday, the Kumuls' final pool match before next week's semi-finals.
He has represented PNG 22 times at the World Cup, matching captain Rhys Martin as the squad's most-capped player.
In his first international outing of the 2026 campaign, Macdonald gained more than 200 metres against Lebanon, making four tackle breaks and a line break.
Meanwhile, St Helens have released him from his contract by mutual agreement, ending his time there in less than a year.
He signed a two-year deal last December after playing 34 matches and scoring 17 tries for Salford across the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Injuries restricted him to 13 appearances for St Helens.
The club finished seventh in 2026 and missed the Super League play-offs for the first time; Australian Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters has been appointed for next season.
Macdonald played close to 100 NRL matches for the Roosters, Titans, Dragons, Cowboys and Sharks, scoring 35 tries, mainly on the wing.
He could interest English clubs seeking an attacking outside back, provided he can get his body right.