Isaah Yeo says Australia's World Cup opener should not be treated as a final verdict on James Tedesco and Sam Walker's selection prospects.
Yeo told the Daily Telegraph that the Roosters players could be rested after their demanding NRL finals campaign.
"I remember in 2022, no grand final players played in the first game (of the World Cup)," Yeo said.
"It's a long tournament, they've had a really busy end of the year."
"You've obviously got Sam with his ankle and then Teddy with his performance at the back end over that series… they didn't have a week off either, they played all through the finals."
"But I think everyone will get an opportunity."
Tedesco, the 2026 Clive Churchill Medalist and Australia's captain in its 2022 World Cup triumph, and Walker are both in the squad.
Reports suggest Reece Walsh, Mitchell Moses and possibly Tom Dearden will be preferred in the 19-man team, leaving the Roosters pair on the bench at best.
Australia face Group A rivals New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night, with kick-off at 8:05pm.
Strong performances from Walsh and Moses could make it harder for Kevin Walters to include Tedesco and Walker when the semi-finals begin early next month.