Kevin Walters' decision to select Reece Walsh ahead of Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco has paid off at the World Cup, the Kangaroos coach said.
"I see what everyone else is seeing and Reece has just got that X-factor at the back," Walters said.
"But that can't come to light unless everyone else is doing their job. It's not just Reece, it's the whole group. They all contribute to each other and help each other be the players that they are."
Walsh has earned man-of-the-match honours twice in three games, while New Zealand's Kalyn Ponga won the Golden Boot after two outstanding performances either side of a broken forearm.
The pair, Queensland State of Origin teammates, will face off in Sunday's sold-out World Cup final at Suncorp Stadium.
Their first tournament meeting ended 24-20 to Australia, with Ponga leaving in the 70th minute after playing on with his injury.
After receiving his award on Thursday, Ponga joked about the prospect of facing Walsh again.
"I'd like to. I hope he doesn't," Ponga grinned.
Rugby league great Wally Lewis told AAP: "Kalyn's performances have been the standout feature of the World Cup so far."
Lewis said Ponga's teammates showed belief in him and noted that the 28-year-old still had considerable room to develop.
Kangaroos captain Isaah Yeo said Walsh and Ponga pressure defenders in different ways, but both can produce similar results.
He said the fullback contest would draw interest, while stressing that the final would depend on the entire teams, not just the two players.