Brad Fittler has thrown his support behind Sharks forward Toby Rudolf, suggesting the prop could push for a Kangaroos jersey in this year's Ashes series.
Rudolf scored a try which sealed the win in Cronulla's 20-10 elimination final victory over the Roosters on Saturday night, capping a gritty 51-minute performance.
On a recent episode of The Sunday Footy Show, Fittler praised Rudolf's influence both on and off the field, saying that he could be the answer to Australia's front-row shortage.
"He could be playing for an Australian jersey," Fittler said.
"I think it all depends on how deep they go into the semi-finals.
"If you have a look at the one position that we’re really going to struggle - it’s the front row.
"He could be the perfect solution."
The comments come as Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters grapples with a depleted forward pack after several high-profile players declared for Pacific nations.
Melbourne prop Stefano Utoikamanu committed to Tonga, while Payne Haas pledged his future to Samoa.
That leaves Walters with limited experience in the middle forwards as preparations ramp up for the historic three-Test Ashes series against England in October.
Rudolf, 29, has battled injuries throughout his career but continues to deliver in big moments for the Sharks since debuting in 2020.
His bustling style, coupled with his off-field personality, has made him a cult figure amongst fans and a reliable engine room presence for Cronulla.
Against the Roosters, Rudolf recorded 67 run metres, 21 post-contact metres, three tackle-busts, and 32 tackles with an efficiency of nearly 87 per cent.
But it was his decisive second-half try, charging through the line from close range, that sealed Cronulla's passage into the second week of finals.
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Rudolf was in the news this week for his message to the government, calling for funding for Sharks Stadium.
"Albanese, I know you're a Souths fan, but give us some funding, some nice change rooms, a sauna or two, throw us something, anything," he told 2GB before Saturday's elimination clash.
Whether Rudolf earns Kangaroos honours may hinge on how he performs throughout the rest of the finals series, but Fittler believes his quality extends beyond numbers on a stat sheet.
The Ashes series will begin at Wembley Stadium in late October, with the Kangaroos looking to get one over on the old enemy.