Australia coach Kevin Walters has backed Kotoni Staggs to be at his best for the World Cup semi-final against Samoa, believing "match-winner" Latrell Mitchell is capable of making an impact from the bench.
The selection dilemma for the hotly-contested centre positions has bubbled along through Australia’s three group-stage wins, but Walters stood his ground ahead of Sunday's clash at Allianz Stadium.
Staggs has been named in all Kangaroos matches this tournament at right centre, while Mitchell - who plays on the left - has fallen behind Bradman Best in the pecking order and has missed the past two games.
Walters said he wasn't married to playing Staggs at centre, but backed the Broncos star to fire against Samoa.
"It all depends on what happens," Walters said on Saturday.
"I expect Kotoni to be really strong and great.
"I've been really happy with him, with his progress, and I'm sure we'll see the best version of Kotoni Staggs tomorrow night."
Saying Mitchell's quality couldn't be ignored for the knockout rounds, Walters' expectations of the Rabbitohs star are simple.
"Well, he (Mitchell) is a match-winner, isn't he?" the Kangaroos coach said.
"He's got the big plays in him, very experienced player as well in the big game.
"I felt it was imperative that we put him at least on the bench.
"There may be a time in the game where we can get him in there, and he can do his stuff."
Mitchell will start on the bench alongside Sam Walker and Ethan Strange, while Walters confirmed James Tedesco would be relegated to a reserve after Reece Walsh retained the No.1 jersey.
"We've got Latrell Mitchell on the bench, we've got Sam Walker on the bench, we've got Ethan Strange ... 'Teddy' drops out, yeah," Walters said.
"There's a couple of positions that could go either way, so I feel like we've picked the right side this week for this game against the Samoans.
"As the Australian coach, you'd like to play all of them, but you can only fit 13 players on the field at any one time.
"I feel like we've got the balance right across the team as well.
"I can't do much more than that."
Like Staggs and Mitchell, Walters kept the door open for Tedesco to make a return should Australia beat Samoa.
"He (Walsh) is (No.1) on Sunday night, and that's what's important for us and important that Reece knows that," Walters said.
"But parked in the garage, we've got James Tedesco weekly, could be as damaging as what Reece is.
"I feel the competitive spirit amongst the players has been a real bonus ... that's brought the best out in both 'Teddy' and Reece.
"It's just that I've got to make a decision on the number one, and for this week, it's Reece."
