Cronulla hooker Blayke Brailey remains in Australia's extended reserves, but Greg Alexander says he should replace James Tedesco on the bench for the World Cup semi-final against Samoa.
Alexander argued on SEN that Brailey would provide better cover for hooker Harry Grant than Tedesco, who has lost the contest for the starting fullback spot to Reece Walsh.
"I would think Brailey makes far more sense on the bench than Teddy," Alexander said.
Walsh is set to wear the No. 1 jersey on Sunday night at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
Australia's 19-man squad, named Tuesday, also includes fullbacks Tom Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell.
Alexander said the team's current cover for Grant is Ethan Strange, "who just doesn't play dummy half."
Alexander's SEN co-host Jimmy Smith also questioned Tedesco's usefulness, saying, "You just don't need James Tedesco, he only plays fullback," and warning that an early injury to Grant could leave Australia under pressure.
"That's true and I would see no sense in not having Brailey in that six-man bench," Alexander said.
Head coach Kevin Walters will cut the squad on Saturday, 24 hours before kick-off.
Tedesco is the Roosters captain and reigning Clive Churchill Medalist.