At the end of last year, Australia’s trans-Tasman rivals got one over them by winning the Four Nations tournament.
While the Kiwis won the trophy, the Kangaroos still remain the most dominant force in international sport, however and I am sure they will see this year’s Anzac Test as a chance to remind everyone just how good they are.
There are some people calling for coach Tim Sheens to start building towards the future, especially considering this will be their only Test in 2015, but I think Sheens will simply pick the best team that is available to him.
Here’s who I think that is.
1.Greg Inglis (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
For the last couple years one of the main debates when it comes to the Australian team has been who will play fullback – Billy Slater or Inglis? I think that this year may have finally seen a different answer to that question.
Billy Slater is out with his shoulder injury and Sheens’ decision was made for him. The Rabbitohs captain is arguably the most dangerous attacking player in our game.
GI is fast, strong, has a devastating fend and can set up players around him. Hes the type of player teams gameplan against and is an automatic selection to any team
2.Alex Johnston (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
One of the most talented young players in the game right now. At just 20 years of age Johnston is already considered as one of the best wingers in the world due to his finishing and athleticism.
Has already scored six tries this year and leads the NRL in linebreaks
3.Dylan Walker (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
This was a difficult decision but with Justin Hodges unavailable to play this weekend, I think his time in the green and gold may be up.
Enter Dylan Walker. A gifted young individual who has been very good so far in 2015, Walker was one of the Rabbitohs best to start the season and although dealing with a few niggles himself, he continues to look good for the boys from Redfern
4.Michael Jennings (Sydney Roosters)
After being in a tight battle for the left centre role with NSW teammate Josh Morris, I believe Jennings just gets the nod. Explosively fast off the mark, with great footwork, he is the type of player that is able to create something from nothing.
Jennings has also developed his defensive game a lot. What edges him above Morris tho is his partnership with his winger at club level, which is arguably the best centre-wing pairing in the NRL
5.Daniel Toupou (Sydney Roosters)
As I said above, already has a great partnership going with Jennings. I believe Tupou is Australias best winger. A towering player, he is second to none under a high ball.
An astonishingly good athlete for his size, Tupou has often been referred to as the next Israel Folau since making his first grade debut
6.Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys)
Last year’s Dally M Medal-winner Thurston was unlucky not to be awarded the Golden Boot as well. Has been considered the best player in our game for many years now and was the main link missing in last year’s Four Nations squad.
A very good playmaker and organiser who has an outstanding dummy and kicking game. The attributes that put him above his peers though are his competitiveness and will to win. Sheens will be very happy that he is fit for this one
7.Cooper Cronk (Melbourne Storm)
The cool, calm and collected Cronk is one of the main reasons that the Storm sit at the top of the NRL premiership. Another great organiser, Cronk has arguably the best kicking game around and is absolutely brilliant in high pressure situations.
He has kicked two field goals so far this season and should the game be tied with five minutes to go, he will be the Kangaroos’ go-to man
8.Matt Scott (North Queensland Cowboys)
Has been an automatic selection for both his state and country for many years now and at 29 years of age he continues to be the benchmark for props in Australia. A natural leader from the front who runs without fear and with brilliant body position, he’s the perfect man to begin any set and get his team on the front foot
9.Cam Smith (Melbourne Storm/captain)
At 31 the Melbourne, Queensland and Australian captain continues to silence critics and prove that he is easily the best hooker in the world. He has been outstanding again in 2015.
Smith is a very intelligent player who has a great tactical kicking game, knows how to exploit lazy defenders and also works very hard on defence. He’s currently averaging 43 tackles per game
10.Paul Gallen (Cronulla Sharks)
The inspirational leader of NSW is as tough as they come. Gal takes a backwards step for no one and is one of the NRL’s most aggressive on both attack and defence.
The scary thing is though, he often does it for 80 minutes. Also one of the hardest workers in the NRL, he rarely misses a tackle and has the ability to offload at any stage to create second phase play for his team
11.Sam Thaiday (Brisbane Broncos)
After starting 2015 poorly and having to play his way into Wayne Bennett’s starting line-up at Brisbane, big Sammy Thaiday has certainly turned things around.
Now playing as good as ever, he is one of the main reasons that the Broncos now sit near the top of the NRL ladder. An intimidating figure who also runs with a lot of aggression, Thaiday loves taking on opposition packs
12.Ryan Hoffman (New Zealand Warriors)
Many thought that Hoffman’s shift across the ditch could spell the end of his representative career, but he has looked as good as ever in 2015. He has the ability to offload, works hard and smart on defence and has already found the tryline on three occasions this year
13.Greg Bird (Gold Coast Titans)
After a controversial start to the year, Birdy has starred for his Gold Coast team that has looked as good as it ever has over the last couple weeks. He may not be the most popular selection but in terms of his on-field work, will be a deserving one.
At 30 years of age, Bird continues to play at a very high level. He is best known for his aggressive defence, but he also runs hard but shows a playmakers touch when needed
14.Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly Sea Eagles)
Has been in the headlines a lot recently over what he will do in 2016 but he certainly hasnt let it affect his on-field performances. Although Manly continue to struggle for form in 2015, DCE has looked very good.
He has been used in a utility role off the bench by both Queensland and Australia to great effect over the last couple years and deserves to keep his spot
15.Boyd Cordner (Sydney Roosters)
A hard running, tough backrower. Cordner has rapidly risen from an NRL youngster to a star in a number of seasons. Made his first grade debut five days short of his 19th birthday and now at 22 he is the vice-captain of one of the NRLs most successful clubs
16.Aaron Woods (Wests Tigers)
Woods had a breakthrough season in 2014. He was named Wests Tigers player of the year, was a star in the Blues drought-breaking State of Origin side and earned a call-up to the Kangaroos squad.
He hasn’t looked quite as good so far in 2015, but Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens knows what Woodsy is capable of and won’t leave him out of his side
17.Corey Parker (Brisbane Broncos)
Brisbane’s hard working backrower is equally effective in the front row and is therefore a good option as the third forward on the bench. He can break a tackle, is as good as any at offloading and will tackle all day long if he has to.
He is also a very good goal kicker should he be called upon for that
18th man: Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders)
The Canberra Raiders enforcer is as physical as they come – just ask Paul Gallen. An extremely intimidating defender who opposition ball carriers try to avoid, Papalii also breaks tackles and is very effective close to the line.
A second rower for his club, he can also play prop with ease.
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