Brown was not included in the Panthers line-up to face Cronulla on Sunday but is tipped to be a late inclusion, leaving the door open for him to retain his place in the Kiwis squad.
However, should he be ruled out, Leuluai would come into consideration for the utility role and the potential absence of Foran, together with the log jam of outside back contenders, could see Tuivasa-Sheck used closer to the action.
That would effectively leave Nightingale, Manu Vatuvei, Pita Hiku and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak battling for the wing and fullback positions, although Hiku has considerable experience at centre for Manly.
The prospect of having Tuivasa-Sheck handling the ball more and being involved a number of times in each set must have some appeal to Kearney.
He already contributes to the Sydney Roosters' attack in the way a five-eighth does and is capable of splitting the defence or creating opportunities for those outside him.
Warriors fans would be interested to see how he links with halfback Shaun Johnson and five-eighth could be a position Tuivasa-Sheck plays more of later in his career, as the great Darren Lockyer managed to do.
If Whare is ruled out and Tuivasa-Sheck chosen in the halves, Hiku could be utilised in the midfield alongside Shaun Kenny-Dowall. That would firm up Nightingale, Watene-Zelezniak and Vatuvei as a back three.
Cronulla's Gerard Beale would also be in the mix after playing on the flank in the first-up Four Nations win over the Kangaroos in Brisbane last October, and the merits of Warriors rookie Solomone Kata are sure to be discussed - but neither player's form demands their inclusion.
If Leuluai is required at five-eighth, then selectors will rely on him and hooker Issac Luke both getting through 80 minutes at Suncorp Stadium.
That could inspire Kearney to gamble on a fledging talent like Brisbane's Kodi Nikorima off the bench, who offers coverage across the No9, 7, 6 and 1 jerseys and could be blooded in the test arena without any overwhelming responsibilities.
The 21-year-old might have only a handful of first-grade appearances but Kearney, the Broncos assistant coach, will be well aware of his talent and ability.
He and younger brother Jayden are tipped for big things and it isn't a case of if but when they get their chance on the international stage.
Nikorima could also find himself thrown into the mix next week ahead of the Kiwis' four-game end-of-year tour of England.
The rest of the side might appear predictable, with Jesse Bromwich, Simon Mannering, Kevin Proctor and Jason Taumalolo deserving of their positions, although Ben Matulino's outstanding form could see him force his way into Adam Blair's starting jumper.
