Reece Walsh's performance against New Zealand has complicated the race for Australia's fullback spot at the 2026 World Cup.
Kevin Walters has settled on his team for next weekend's match against Fiji, but James Tedesco's hold on the tournament's No. 1 jersey now looks less certain.
Walsh was selected at fullback against the Kiwis at Allianz Stadium and made an immediate impact.
He scored a long-range try after Jahrome Hughes and Kalyn Ponga collided, then stopped Ponga with a one-on-one tackle in the first half.
"That is one of the best try-saving, covering tackles you will ever see," premiership winning half Luke Keary said in commentary.
Walsh had not played for nearly two months before Thursday's match.
The Kangaroos and Kiwis opened the tournament with a dramatic contest, but injuries have left two star players in major doubt for the rest of the competition.
Their potential absences raise questions for both teams as the World Cup continues.