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!
daniel p
Guest
DCE has earned a bench spot over Farah but still below the Thurston and Cooper combo. He will definitely be a starter at the next world cup
Ozziejoebujjere
Guest
Clearly incorrect. Smith is composed under pressure. Farah is not. That is the reality.
Tiger
Guest
And I thought I was the only one who noticed Farah's poor options that contributed to the Blues losses..it's just that he is a media darling and is currently untouchable.. Smith is far and away the best hooker in the world..never has brain snaps and 9.5 out 10 times he takes the right option..He is the driver and brains behind the Storm's, Maroon's and Australia's spine ..without him they are not as effective.. To me the fact Sheens carries an extra hooker on the bench is an insult..and to replace him on the field when he is not injured is ridiculous!
Renegade
Roar Guru
Farah is a big part of the reason the blues didn't win the last two series. He honestly shouldn't be mentioned in the same category as Cameron Smith.
Don
Roar Rookie
The Blues best player in the past 2 years has been Paul Gallen then Lewis, Watmough, Jennings and maybe then Farah. SW, I usually find your comments pretty insightful but you are way off on this one. I was at home in Sept for 3 weeks laid up with a knee and ankle injury (fell off scaffold) and watched about 12 origin games including the last 6. Whilst I agree that Farah was NSW equal best player in some games he certainly did not beat Cam Smith in all six. He maybe topped him in one and another 2 might be draws if I am being favourable to Farah. Watch the games again. Farah drove me nuts with his third man flop onto a ruck to slow things down and get his stats up. He made some really poor decisions in kicking and his service to the halves on the 5th tackle does them no favours either. This year he was worst than 2012.
Don
Roar Rookie
I'd say he would go into lock. He did in his early SOO days. Or he would go to half and DCE would shift to lock. I think the only problem the team has at the moment is the loss of Luke Lewis who adds exceptional speed to our ruck running and can cover injuries in the centres during a game. One of the only NSW players that I think all QLD'ers would love in their side.
eagleJack
Guest
I love Matty Ballin but he is behind both Farah and Luke as a no.9
V.O.R.
Guest
Try Farah's very poor kicking options this year that regularly took the pressure off the Maroons whereas Smith was stepping up and kicking QLD out of trouble. On many an occasion he turned the Blues around with a 3rd/4th tackle hike downfield from dummy half. You are kidding yourself SW...Admittedly Farah has his strengths with a deft short kicking game but Smith is a far smarter footballer and he showed it again this year in SOO.
Yawhoa of NSW and now WA
Guest
It really is clear the Australian team needs to be made up of Qld origin players, only a couple of worthy NSW origin players required. I would love to have seen 2 Australian sides in this World Cup, "Australia/NSW and Australia/Qld" this would have been something to spice it up nicely!. DCE, Inglis and Billy Slater all need to be in the starting teams, otherwise DCE should have put his hand up for England.
bjt
The selection of Farah makes little logical sense. The only reason he should be in the squad is as a backup hooker. Smith gets injured and Farah goes in. Many players have had to wait for an injury to get their opportunity. Why is he the backup hooker? Because he is the Blues hooker and rugby league is dictated by fractional powers the ensure NSW players must be in the squad, whether they are deserving or not. There is no doubt that Smith in the world’s best rugby league hooker, followed by Matt Ballin and Jake Friend as the next best for Australia. Farah is not even a finalist hooker. Secondly, the only reason Farah gets a run on is because of his connection with Sheens. Why Sheens still has any loyalties to the toxic tigers, god only knows, but that is why he is on the field. To even suggest Smith is not an 80 minute is simply ludicrous. His track record is matchless. If Queensland has not been beaten in this tactic for over 8 years, it suggests that we believe that the international side facing Australia would beat NSW. Essentially, why would anyone tamper with a proven winning combination/position that has beaten the 2nd best rugby league team in the world in such a devastating fashion? DCE is a player who has proven himself as an excellent utility, not to mention being probably the most exciting rugby talent at the moment. He ticks all boxes and if he does not make the team it is only because the powers that be have made sure Farah is in the team.
Muzz
Guest
Don, If Coops is on the bench and he comes on to replace one of our big boys,what role will he play?
Don
Roar Rookie
On form DCE is ahead at the moment. I'd be happy with either starting as long as the other is on the bench. No Farah, he is nowhere near the same value as a reserve.
soapit
Roar Guru
well the current first choice backline hve played an absolute shedload of footy together so if you jumble that around you'll notice a big drop in combinations.
Ask
Guest
Agreed Badseed, Cronk is the best utility option as is DCE the best halfback option.
Muzz
Guest
I hope Sheens now picks a side that will play out the remainder of the tournament .He will now earn his money as he is spoilt for choice but is aware that the NZ side is stronger than the one that defeated us in the last World Cup.Do you go with the players that have been there before but are not what they use to be or do you go for the ones that are in career best form but have less rep experience?I think Jake Friend deserved to tour but we have Farah who is more than capable.You must have a bench player that can cover hooker ,five eight and halfback incase one of them gets injured.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Mr Snub U shud go back and look at the last 2 years of SOO. During that period , Farah has been the Blues best player and I cannot remember a single game out of 6 when Cam beat him. Having said that, I have DCE in my team over him.
Mr snrub
Guest
Fitzgenry hogging the buffet. Too funny. Farrah is not a test footballer. He is no where near smith's standard. Smith is quality. Smith is a good reason as to why qld is so dominant. He will go down as one of the greats. Farrah is not great but still edges out ennis. If ennis has a good year in 2014 and Farrah continues current form, nsw may have a new hooker. That's assuming tim sheens doesn't become coach of the blues in the mean time.
V.O.R.
Guest
When it comes to the big games combinations are everything. This is why Cronk is a dead cert, Slater is untouchable at the back and Farah is the odd one out. It is also unfathomable that the Captain of the Kangaroos would be replaced by Farah in a tight match with the clock winding down. DCE has earned himself a spot on the bench.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
The Kangas spine is amazing and no need to touch and DCE or Robbie on the bench really makes zero difference when it comes to rating this team as they are both world class, although different. The problem is the forwards and after losing Lewis things just got even harder. Australia have slipped from #1 to# 3 in the forwards. I do not include the hooker in the overall ratings but based on WC form Isaac Luke has gone past Cam Smith. THE only Aussie forwards in career best form is big Fifita and Corey Parker and true to Tim Sheens form he will pick them both off the bench.
The eye
Guest
I always thought the Dally M was more prestigious than than the Churchill...until Matt Orford won it..but Cronk is the man right now,Cherrys great to have in these warm ups but you want Coopers brain and knowledge in close ones.