A stand-out performance in this year's NRL grand final has Manly second-rower Anthony Watmough convinced he is deserving of an Australian Test debut this World Cup.

While not every member of Australia's squad is guaranteed a start this tournament, Watmough believes he would be far more deserving of a cap than last year, when a Test debut slipped through his fingers.

Watmough's shocker in the 2007 grand final defeat to Melbourne, when he missed a staggering 15 tackles, denied him his place in the Australian side which thrashed New Zealand 58-0 in Wellington.

But his vastly-improved effort in this year's season decider, when the Sea Eagles turned the tables on the Storm, has the 25-year-old certain he will deserve any chance that comes his way.

"I've just worked a little bit harder. I'm definitely playing a lot better footy at the back end of this year and in the grand final than I did last year," he said.

"The grand final loss last year cost (me), but this year I'm quietly confident that having won a grand final I can put a good performance together.

"It's disappointing to miss (the first two Tests), but you get that and now I've got to work through it."

Watmough did not play in Australia's 30-6 win over New Zealand last Sunday night, and was again overlooked on Wednesday, when the side was named to play England this Sunday night at Telstra Dome.

The depth and talent of Australia's squad, even with utility Kurt Gidley (knee) gone for the rest of the tournament, means Watmough and other fringe players might spend a month as spectators.

But that has not stopped him dreaming of pulling on a green and gold jersey.

"It would be amazing," he said.

"Not many people have played for their country and won a grand final and played State of Origin, so if I can tick all those boxes I'd be a happy man.

"You'd be in the elite of the elite, playing for your country, and you look at all the great players who are at home now, sitting back on their couch watching us play."

Another fringe player, Canberra five-eighth Terry Campese, has so far used his time in the squad to absorb how the players he admires prepare, train and analyse the game.

The Campese name is synonymous with World Cup stardom, as Terry's uncle David was the star of the Wallabies' triumphant rugby union campaign in 1991.

He rang his nephew from his home in South Africa to congratulate him on earning selection in the Kangaroos squad.

"There's a buzz around the whole family at the moment," Terry said.

"It would be good to get a game, but if not I'm still happy to be here."

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