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.
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.
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.
adam
Guest
^^^^^ Thats Lewis not Gallen ^^^^
adam
Guest
I think Tamou wil go and Myles will start as prop then fifita will come on later and cause mayhem prob last 20 of the half. Cordner im unsure how they will use him unless theres a big injury Thaiday and parker have been strong all year just havent had much support in their team Its a good squad hard to pick just 17
adam
Guest
Its true wats he done this year
adam
Guest
Agreed I cringe everytime he takes the field for you guys in rigin he can be devistating
adam
Guest
1- Slater 2- Boyd 3- Inglis 4- Jennings 5- Morris or Hayne 6- Thurston 7- Cronk 8- Myles or Fifita 9- Smith 10- Scott 11- Bird 12- Thaiday 13- Gallen 14- Chery-Evans 15- Lewis 16- Fifita or Myles 17- Is wide open reckon Parker, papalli,Tamou probably parker or papali though
Renegade
Guest
Keep telling yourself that mate....
Raugeee
Guest
+1. Anything to keep Gallen out. His terrible attitude would affect the whole team.
Raugeee
Guest
Gee I would love to see Daniel Tupou on the wing. Imagine JT kicking to him. Would be reminiscent of Folau in 2008. No need to have DCE and Farrah on bench. Smith is an 80 min player and if injured DCE would be dynamite from dummy half.
SuperEel22
Roar Guru
Hayne for Boyd? Honestly for Hayne to be picked having sat out half the season says something about his ability and love for the big stage. Can cover anywhere in the backline and has consistently been one of NSW's best.
KSI
Guest
Agree. He was by far NSW best player this year. I would also have Parker over Gallen. Gallen has made teams on old performances this year. Not the best 13 in comp
KSI
Guest
I would go as far to say Parker for Gallen. Gallen has not had a good year and Parker was Lock of the year and in good form. DCE on bench and Farah not in 17.
Luke Smyke
Roar Pro
Luke Lewis would be in any 17. Often unfairly overlooked when the pantheon of greats in Smith, Cronk, Inglis, Slater get mentioned but he is an absolute superstar of irreplaceable value just like them.
JezRu
Roar Pro
A team of champions doesn't make a champion team. A champion team doesn't make a team of champions.
Maroon Blood
Guest
Agree with Tamou being out of form but Thaiday? Was outstanding in Origins 2 & 3 and, along with Parker, was the only Broncs forward who can hold his head up in the latter half of the season. Tamou will be lucky to hold onto his starting jumper, Myles or Fifita would do a better job imo, and was actually lucky to make the squad to be honest.
Maroon Blood
Guest
+1 Bird can play 2nd Row, Lock and 5/8 so offers more off the bench than Parker. Parker is an 80 minute starting player, not a bench player. Otherwise agree with your choices as all of the starting back row can play prop so having two second rowers on the bench makes sense, Fifita for impact and DCE for coverage of the halves and hooker. Most of the back five can switch between fullback, wing and centre. Great side which, hopefully, will regain the mantle of World Champions.
Don
Roar Rookie
Don't be surprised if we see Sam Thaiday out of the team come the end of the WC and Papali / Corder are in instead. Sam just doesn't offer what these guys can in attack and defence. And, I am a Queenslander. He'll likely make the first squad due to a bias to the incumbents. Injuries / suspensions due to ASADA aside, I think the team will look like this towards the end of the tournament. 1- Slater 2- Boyd 3- Inglis 4- Jennings 5- B. Morris 6- Thurston 7- Cronk 8- Tamou 9- Smith 10- Scott 11- Myles 12- Gallen 13- Bird 14- Fifita 15- Papali / Cordner 16- Lewis 17- Cherry-Evans
Sporting Tragic
Roar Pro
Apologies all for the double up on Tamou. I'd have Fifita in there starting.
rvm
Guest
I thought there was a reasonably strong case for Jake Friend, who has been consistent and reliable throughout the year and has handled the big occasion like a veteran. In short he is a tough durable #9 who doesn’t over play his hand and is exactly the type of back up hooker/dummy half who can slot neatly into a pack should something go amiss with Cameron Smith. As gifted a player as Robbie Farrah and his supporters may think he is, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to overplay his hand on the big occasions with the possible exception of the 05 GF. Having selected DCE in the touring squad who I believe will fill the utility role in the squad further diminishes the value that Farrah can add to the team.
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
No way should there be more Roosters in the squad. People might think Maloney and Pearce were hard done by. But there's no way that Pearce should be there ahead of Cherry Evans, and I'd actually have Carney in there ahead of Maloney as well. As for Jake Friend, he may have a bright future ahead of him, but Robbie Farah mate. C'mon. It's Robbie Farah. He's the NSW hooker and Vice Captain and is easily the second best dummy half available to Australia. Apart from that, all their players are Kiwi.
Scott
Guest
Your team is not a very good one. Two utilities? Your kidding aren't you. There's no need for any. No bird or Lewis. Are you tripping.