THERE’S plenty on the line in the Rugby League World Cup semi finals this weekend, and the performance of some players could go a long way to helping NRL coaches decide on the make-up of their sides in 2018.

A fascinating situation is developing at Cronulla after Valentine Holmes’ achievements on the wing while playing for Australia — he became the first player to score five tries in a World Cup match last Friday.

Holmes is adamant he’ll retain his fullback spot at the Sharks next season despite the club snaring the signature of Matt Moylan.

But the Sharks also met with Mitchell Pearce on Thursday, something which could have repercussions for the make-up of the spine next season if they sign the former Roosters halfback.

The Sharks missed a ball playing fullback in 2017, and a possible Pearce arrival could push Moylan into the No.1 jumper with Holmes shifting back the flank where he played his first three NRL seasons.

“He’s a very good winger who could play fullback,” NRL 360 host Ben Ikin said.

“At this point in his career, he’s definitely better with the five on his back compared to the one.”

Scroll down for a full World Cup semi finals preview.

Over at the Wests Tigers, coach Ivan Cleary is also yet to decide on his fullback for next season after the departure of James Tedesco.

But he’s been given plenty of food for thought after the way Kevin Naiqama has played in the No.1 jumper for Fiji.

The Bati skipper was man of the match in his side’s incredible upset of New Zealand in the quarter final, and his leadership has been equally as impressive.

“He’s played really well this Cup, and ironically in the fullback role, which we have some ideas on for (next season) but which is not a position we’re necessarily settled on,’’ Cleary recently told The Daily Telegraph.

Elsewhere, England’s Gareth Widdop has proven he’s more than capable of returning to fullback at NRL level if need be.

The St George Illawarra captain returned to his old No.1 position when Jonny Lomax went down with injury and has been one of his team’s best.

He was man of the match against France and has set up four tries and scored one himself in his past two games.

Whether or not Dragons coach Paul McGregor is open to moving Widdop from five-eighth remains to be seen, but he does need to find someone to fill the fullback role vacated by Josh Dugan.

“It’s been okay,” Widdop recently said of his switch. “It’s probably been six or seven years now since I played back there.

“I’ll play anywhere just to represent my country. Wherever I get put, I’ll happily do my best to try and get the job done.”

Welcome to The Big Picture for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup semi finals.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24

Australia v Fiji, Suncorp Stadium, 8pm (AEDT)

Australia squad: 1 Billy Slater, 2 Dane Gagai, 3 Will Chambers, 4 Josh Dugan, 5 Valentine Holmes, 6 Michael Morgan, 7 Cooper Cronk, 8 Aaron Woods, 9 Cameron Smith, 10 David Klemmer, 11 Boyd Cordner, 12 Matt Gillett, 13 Josh McGuire 14 Wade Graham, 15 Jordan McLean, 16 Reagan Cambell-Gillard, 17 Tyson Frizell 18 Felise Kaufusi, 19 Tom Trbojevic, 20 Josh Mansour, 21 James Maloney

Fiji squad: 1. Kevin Naiqama (c) 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Taane Milne 4. Akuila Uate 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Jarryd Hayne 7. Henry Raiwalui 8. Ashton Sims 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Eloni Vunakece 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Brayden Williame 13. Tui Kamikamica 14. Joe Lovodua 15. Jacob Saifiti 16. Junior Roqica 17. Ben Nakubuwai 18. James Storer 19. Salesi Faingaa 20. Sitiveni Moceidreke 21. Pio Sokobalavau

Talking point: Have Fiji run out of emotional puff? The Bati are coming off an incredible quarter final upset over New Zealand, and now they must regather and take on the Aussies who have outscored them 116-0 in their past two semi-final encounters in 2008 and 2013.

Fox Sports Lab stat: In the last 215 minutes of football, Australia has outscored their opponent 122 to nil.

Our prediction: Australia 20+

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25

Tonga v England, Mt Smart Stadium, 4pm (AEDT)

Tonga squad: 1. Will Hopoate 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Michael Jennings 4. Konrad Hurrell 5. David Fusitu’a 6. Tui Lolohea 7. Ata Hingano 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Siliva Havili 10. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 11. Manu Ma’u 12. Sika Manu (c) 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Sione Katoa 15. Peni Terepo 16. Tevita Pangai Jnr. 17. Ben Murdoch-Masila 18. Sam Moa 19. Manu Vatuvei 20. Joe Ofahengaue 21. Samisoni Langi

England squad: 1. Gareth Widdop 2. Jermaine McGillvary 3. Kallum Watkins 4. John Bateman 5. Ryan Hall 6. Kevin Brown 7. Luke Gale 8. Chris Hill 9. Josh Hodgson 10. James Graham 11. Sam Burgess 12. Elliot Whitehead 13. Sean O’Loughlin 14. Alex Walmsley 15. Thomas Burgess 16. Ben Currie 17. James Roby 18. Jonny Lomax 19. Chris Heighington 20. Mark Percival 21. Scott Taylor

Talking point: As the old saying goes, the battle will be won in the middle of the park. Tonga’s forwards must continue their barnstorming ways if they’re to give their talented backs the chance to capitalise. With inexperienced halves Ata Hingano and Tui Lolohea running the show for the Mate Ma’a, big men Andrew Fifita and Jason Taumalolo must take it to the likes of James Graham and Sean O’Loughlin.

Fox Sports Lab stat: After equalling Kevin Sinfield last week with 11 matches, James Graham will overtake Sinfield and become England’s most capped World Cup player ever. Graham has won seven of his 11 World Cup matches and has never played in a World Cup Final.

Our prediction: England by 1.