Natural footy players with a natural connection - that's what the Maroons quartet of Tom Dearden, Reece Walsh, Cameron Munster and Harry Grant bring to the table for the Kangaroos.

The green and gold spine is ready to hit top gear in Sunday's World Cup semi-final against Samoa, with Dearden expecting big things from the big-game players around him.

“I’ve played a bit of footy with Munster now, and also Harry at nine and Walshy at the back, so I think the connection and knowing where each other will be is pretty good,” Dearden told NRL.com.

“I always love playing alongside Mun, he’s just a selfless teammate and I can speak for all the players that everyone loves playing alongside him, and it’s always a great opportunity to wear the jersey with him."

Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters has backed Dearden to wear the No.7 jersey in Sunday’s World Cup semi-final against Samoa, ahead of Sam Walker.

Dearden and Munster guided Queensland to an Origin series victory in 2025 before the tough as teak Cowboy came from the interchange in the Ashes series as Nathan Cleary and Munster steered the ship.

Reunited in green and gold for last week's big win over Cook Islands, Dearden and Munster now square off against Jarome Luai and Ronald Volkman in the semi at Allianz Stadium.

At 32, Munster has plenty of footy left in him but the Dearden-Walker combination is the future for the Maroons.

“I love playing alongside Sammy as well, he’s a great player and so creative and I enjoyed that experience as well,” Dearden said.

Tom Dearden and Reuben Cotter are the pride of North Queensland.

Walters is spoilt for choice in the halves but Dearden made an undeniable case with two try assists, 136 running metres and 22 tackles in the 60-point win over Cook Islands.

“It was good to be able to get out there and play some footy, the body’s starting to feel really good now, and I think it takes a few games to get your fitness and rhythm back,” Dearden said.

“I just keep building and I’m getting ready for a really strong semi-final against Samoa.”

The 25-year-old has established himself at the elite level having worn the green and gold nine times and Queensland’s jersey on seven occasions.

And there is one teammate who has been beside him throughout much of that journey, Cowboys co-captain Reuben Cotter.

“We’re best mates. Rubes and I spend a lot of time together, we’re captains together at the Cowboys, represent Queensland together and come into Kangaroo camp together, so I have always had a tight relationship with Rubes,” Dearden said.

“He’s one of the greatest teammates I’ve ever played with.

“It’s like being at home when Rubes is here.”

Now entering a new era as a father, Dearden has even more motivation to bring home the World Cup before spending time with his newborn daughter.

But first, the Kangaroos must overcome Samoa, with the Cowboys halfback expecting another tough test.

“That’s what makes this World Cup campaign so exciting, the strength of the teams at the moment, every game is going to be a tough game,” he said.

“Every time you wear the Kangaroos jersey there’s that pressure to succeed. You look at the history of the Kangaroos, they’ve always been such a great team and there’s high expectations when you’re wearing this jersey and we certainly know that.”