Payne Haas may yet join Samoa's World Cup squad, despite not appearing in its shadow squad, according to a report by The Daily Telegraph.
The report says a player included in a nation's original 40-man preliminary squad can be called up after an injury. Haas was initially expected to miss the tournament after finger surgery, but may now be fit.
Samoa has several players carrying injuries. Coach Ben Gardiner said the team would need to speak with the South Sydney Rabbitohs before deciding whether Haas could be included.
"We're monitoring the situation with Payne and we will have further discussions over the coming weeks," Gardner told the publication. "Ultimately it would be up to Souths (Haas' new club) and Payne."
Haas has not played rugby league for more than two months, since the Brisbane Broncos missed the NRL finals. His availability could strengthen Samoa's mobile forward pack for the knockout stages.
The eligibility question follows debate over Australia's replacement for injured Mitch Moses. Coach Kevin Walters selected Canberra Raiders five-eighth Ethan Strange, who is due to come off the bench against the Cook Islands.
Some fans had wanted Panthers back Thomas Jenkins, given Australia had no natural wingers in its squad. SEN Radio's Jimmy Smith said he had checked the rules with NRL reporter Brad Walters.
Smith said the by-laws did not require a direct replacement; a player only had to come from the shadow squad. Jenkins was eligible, as were Strange and Hamish Stewart.