Sydney Roosters skipper Braith Anasta believes his chances of breaking back into Australian Test side could hinge on the result of Friday night's do-or-die NRL semi-final in Auckland.

The Roosters and the New Zealand Warriors will square off in a battle which will determine not only which side progresses through to a preliminary final against Manly next weekend, but also who stays in contention for a green and gold jumper for the end of season World Cup.

Anasta is just one of a host of players out to impress on Friday night, with fullback Anthony Minichiello, prop Mark O'Meley, and backrowers Nate Myles, Anthony Tupou and Craig Fitzgibbon also on the radar of Kangaroos selectors.

It's been a long time between drinks for Anasta, who played the last of his four Tests in 2001, but having regained his NSW jumper for the Origin series decider he now has his eye on higher honours.

And he knows the best way to stay in selectors' thoughts is to stay on the field.

"The further that we go as a team, the more players including myself that are a bigger chance of making the Aussie team," Anasta said.

"We've all got that in the back of our heads as well, we all want to go as far as we can and play the best football we can.

"Overall we've had a good year and we want to press our claims for the Aussie team."

Anasta's chances of winning Test selection will no doubt be helped by the uncertainty surrounding the immediate playing future of incumbent Australian five-eighth Greg Bird, who is still the subject of police investigations over an alleged glassing incident.

While it is assumed Darren Lockyer will once again wear the Test No.6 jumper, Anasta said forcing his way back into the 24-man squad had been a long-term goal.

"It's been a goal from the start of the year, I've really worked on my game hard over the last few years and I feel I'm playing some really good footy," Anasta said.

"I've just got to keep it going and keep leading the boys as best as I can and hopefully an Aussie jersey's in sight."

The Australian squad for the World Cup will be announced the day after the October 5 grand final.

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