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While the victorious Australian 2000 Rugby League World cup side is regarded as one of the best Kangaroos teams of all time, a quick eye over the team line-up shows a surprising anomaly.
Despite being at the peak of his powers, halfback of the century Andrew Johns can be found listed at hooker, while resplendent at number seven sits everyone’s favourite Hunter Mariner, Brett Kimmorley.
Although it seemed to make sense at the time, at least to Chris Anderson, the growing of Johns’ standing in the game and Kimmorley’s over use of the term ‘leg speed’ in the decade following the tournament makes it a unusual footnote in Australian rugby league history.
But, after a masterful performance against the Irish, could it be a case of history repeating with Daly Cherry-Evans presence in camp Kangaroo?
So far as the back-up halfback on tour Cherry-Evans has been irrepressible, and despite being pushed to the five-eighth role in his final pool match managed to steal the show from incumbent halfback Cooper Cronk.
Which, when you consider Cronk is the sort of bloke who is capable of performing slam poetry while running at altitude in between nailing clutch field goals in big matches, is a pretty big feat.
Despite lighting a fire under Cooper’s village however it is unlikely that rugby league’s most famous set of sinews will make way for DCE, as the Storm connection between Cronk and Cameron Smith would be one that Tim Sheens is unlikely to disrupt.
So, ahh speaking of disrupting hookers and halfbacks…what’s the go with Farah, Timmy?
Now, I’d be loath to say that such a long standing and successful coach as Tim Sheens would be the type of bloke to play favourites.
However, the continued use of Farah as fourteenth man, as well as the continued presence of Daniel Fitzhenry at the team’s hotel buffet, is one that has to be questioned.
Having a back-up hooker on a long campaign is of course prudent, and Farah still holds the mantle of second best rake in the NRL.
But continually having him on the bench just in case Smith goes down seems a bit like driving around with your pushy in the boot of your car in case you get a flat.
The Roos sideline has become substantially more of a headache since Mr Fix it Luke Lewis turned into Wreck it Ralph, and the need for a real live utility on the pine is now something the Roos will be needing as the Cup heats up.
The obvious answer then for mine is for Cherry-Evans to jag the number fourteen jersey, and for the unlucky Farah to give Fitzy a hand making the coffees in the morning.
Sure, we may look back on it in ten years time and marvel at the fact that a talent like DCE was shunted from his rightful position ala Johns.
However, as any NSW fan who has looked on longingly at the Brooky blond bombshell would understand, it could be worse.
Actually, a lot, lot worse.
His Mum’s from England!
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