Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens dismissed suggestions he’s had a personal issue with Anthony Watmough after the Manly backrower was selected in his Australian rugby league squad for the Four Nations tournament.
Watmough was among five stars from Sunday’s NRL grand final-winning Sea Eagles side to be selected on Monday in the 24-man squad to tour the UK, despite reports this year his representative career could be over because of a clash with Sheens.
“I’ve always picked Anthony Watmough. I don’t know why people think I have an issue,” Sheens said.
“That doesn’t always mean he’s played in every game but he’s always been in the squads that I’ve picked.
“I think his form’s been good.
“I also believe that there are certain conditions in England that suit certain players and I think it suits his game, his speed of play-the-ball in particular.”
Sheens said reports of a fall out were wide of the mark.
“It didn’t come from me, I can tell you now,” the coach said.
“He played well in the State of Origin series, he’s played well for his club.
“I’ve always said, whether there’s a personal issue or not with me and any player, I would never hold that against anyone and there’s no personal issue between him and I.”
Watmough was joined in the Kangaroos squad by Manly teammates Brett and Glenn Stewart and newcomers Tony Williams and Daly Cherry-Evans, who capped a brilliant first NRL season.
“His (Cherry-Evans’) form’s undeniable,” Sheens said.
” …I think Manly have plenty of claim and I don’t think anyone would disagree the kid certainly earned an opportunity.”
Sheens said captain Darren Lockyer (fractured cheekbone) would be fit to play his last Test on home soil against New Zealand in Newcastle on October 16 before the squad departs for England.
South Sydney pair Greg Inglis (ankle, knee) and Dave Taylor (shoulder) are the biggest injury concerns in a squad already missing big names Petero Civoniceva, Jarryd Hayne, Kurt Gidley, Justin Hodges, Brett Morris and Ben Creagh.
Sheens said Penrith’s Luke Lewis would fill Gidley’s utility role, while Watmough and NSW captain Paul Gallen would be considered for the front row.
Six players in the squad are in line for debuts for the Kangaroos – Cherry-Evans, Williams, Corey Parker, Akuila Uate, Taylor and Keith Galloway.
Sheens will name his side for the Ausgrid Stadium Test on Friday, while the squad flies out on October 21 and play their first Four Nations match against the Kiwis in Warrington on October 28.
Australian squad: Darius Boyd, Daly Cherry-Evans, Cooper Cronk, Robbie Farah, Paul Gallen, Keith Galloway, Greg Inglis, Chris Lawrence, Luke Lewis, Darren Lockyer, Corey Parker, Matt Scott, David Shillington, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith, Brett Stewart, Glenn Stewart, Dave Taylor, Sam Thaiday, Johnathan Thurston, Akuila Uate, Anthony Watmough, Tony Williams, Jharal Yow Yeh.
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