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Should the Roosters have more players in the Kangaroos side?

"What goes up..." Trent feels the troughs for the first time in his NRL coaching career. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)
Roar Pro
7th October, 2013
30

There is always going to be an inadequacy when it comes to clubs being represented in an Australian squad. There are 16 clubs and only 17 spots on the field.

Given that its a World Cup year these arguments will only get louder and more passionate.

Since the grand final and the selection of the Kangaroos squad, there has been a lot of debate as to the makeup of the teams.

The glaring thing at a first glance is the the premiers – Sydney Roosters – only have two representatives.

But on closer inspection – who else is there from the team?

They’ve got a ton of New Zealanders, many of whom are likely to take the field in the world cup. Jared Warea-Hargreaves and Shaun Kenny-Dowall are two examples, as is Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

Lets have a look at each position and who will make the Australian side.

Props: No arguments here with James Tamou, Matt Scott certain to be picked.

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Hooker: Cameron Smith.

Forwards: it’s hard to argue case for any of the Rooster players (eligible for Australia) to break the way into the team.

Halves: for all those that say Mitchell has been unfairly been overlooked – stats don’t lie. Johnathan Thurston will surely one day be an immortal. Cooper Cronk is the Dally M Medal winner and is outstanding. He leaves Mitchell Pearce for dead.

Centres: Greg Inglis and Michael Jennings are the two standout performers of 2013.

Wingers: Darius Boyd and Brett Morris. Again, I don’t think anyone would argue that from the squad that these two deserve their positions.

Fullback: This is a tough one. Inglis or Billy Slater?

It’s a massive luxury to have. I’m going with Slater and moving Inglis to the centres. I’d love Anthony Minichello to be there – but he’s pledged his allegiance to Italy.

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Therefore – if we are to look at a full strength-line-up – potentially a team with only one Rooster. Is this unfair? Possibly. Is this the best team available….absolutely.

1- Slater
2- Boyd
3- Inglis
4- Jennings
5- B. Morris
6- Thurston
7- Cronk
8- Tamou
9- Smith
10- Scott
11- Myles
12- Thaiday
13- Gallen

14- Tamou
15- Farah
16- Fifita
17- Cherry-Evans

Australia’s goal is to win the World Cup. Teams don’t matter – the nation does.

These are the best 17 players we have.

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