With some big potential exclusions for this year’s mid-season test, including superstars Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott and Greg Inglis, coach Mal Meninga will have his work cut out for him when choosing a team with enough strike power to defeat the Kiwis.
There are, however, plenty of up-and-comers who deserve a shot in the green and gold, so here’s my pick for the Kangaroos 17 ahead of today’s official announcement.
Fullback: Darius Boyd (Broncos)
You can’t fault Boyd’s record at test level, with 22 wins from 22 appearances. With Billy Slater only just returning from injury, James Tedesco and Matt Moylan in patchy form and Greg Inglis out for the year, it’s only logical to have the Broncos captain take the custodian spot.
Not only does he have a great record, but his experience and all-round playing style will be great for the two young blokes I’ve listed next.
Wingers: Tom Trbojevic (Sea Eagles) and Valentine Holmes (Sharks)
Another position ravaged by injury and poor form, I’m going for youngsters Tom Trbojevic and Valentine Holmes. The latter has already donned the green and gold and deserves another shot after a fine showing in last year’s Four Nations tournament.
Young Trbojevic has been a sensation for Manly at fullback, and easing him into rep footy on the wing is definitely the way to go. He may have a few errors in him, but he has size, power and speed to burn. These two are the future of Australia.
Centres: Jarrod Croker and Joey Leilua (Raiders)
Jarrod Croker is one of those players who deserves to play rep footy and hasn’t yet, and with the absence of Greg Inglis at left centre, I think he’s the man for the job. Some will argue that Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson are better options, but they’re better at fullback and on the wing respectively and neither has shown the form Croker has over the past 18 months – and let’s not forget he has a sniper of a boot, too.
His club teammate and barnstorming centre Joey Leilua is my pick to fill the right-centre position. Again the likes of Will Chambers and Jack Bird are favourites, but I just love Leilua’s damaging running and offloads, and if he can get any away to his winger, watch out.
Halves: James Maloney (Sharks) and Cooper Cronk (Storm)
Definitely an odd-couple pairing, these two are noted to have a rocky relationship when they come against each other on the field. Their similarities, however, come in their quality, and with Johnathan Thurston possibly out for this game, I think James Maloney definitely deserves to be next in line. The premiership-winning five-eighth has all the qualities to be a success at test level: tenacity, a great running game, kicking abilities and a brilliant work rate under pressure.
As for Cooper Cronk, what can I say? He’s the best halfback in the competition and will guide any team he’s in superbly.
Props: Aaron Woods (Tigers) and Paul Vaughan (Dragons)
The absence of Matt Scott made the decision of prop rotation really difficult. I’m not the biggest fan of Aaron Woods, but he’s been there and done that at test level and is in the prime of his career, and there isn’t quite anyone else more experienced for the job than him. He’ll do a good job– he doesn’t seem to get fazed by anyone or anything.
His engine room pal for mine is Dragons standout Paul Vaughan, who has been the front-running prop in the competition thus far. Vaughan’s passionate runs and work rate is fast putting him in contention for a spot in the Blues line-up, and what better way to reward that form than to put him in the mid-season test side.
Hooker: Cameron Smith (Storm)
There’s not much to be said here. Smith is the best hooker available, he’s national captain, and he’ll probably put in another man-of-the-match performance against the Kiwis. He’s simply the best.
Second-rowers: Boyd Cordner (Roosters) and Matt Gillett (Broncos)
These are two dynamic backrowers who will be in the side for many years to come. Cordner’s line running is the best in the competition and his work rate is phenomenal. His partner in crime, Matt Gillett, has a great engine, knows how to put on a hit and has a great overall game. This is definitely the strongest part of the side.
Lock: Tyson Frizell (Dragons)
Another reason the Dragons are going so well, Frizell burst onto the rep scene last year playing for both NSW and Australia, and with Corey Parker and Paul Gallen not in contention anymore, I went for this dynamic backrower.
Capable of playing both second row and lock, I decided to put him at the back of the scrum, where the team can get some good use out of his high work rate – but no matter where he plays, you know he’s going to put in.
Bench: Michael Morgan (Cowboys), Shannon Boyd (Raiders), Andrew Fifita (Sharks), Josh Papalii (Raiders)
The whole bench has already played at test level, so their inclusion needs little explanation.
Michael Morgan is versatile enough to play fullback, in the halves and in the back row, and he has the experience to come into a game and follow instructions.
Shannon Boyd, Andrew Fifita and Josh Papalii add great aggression and impact off the bench. With Boyd’s destructive runs, Fifita’s ball playing and X-factor and Papalii’s power, they are definitely a destructive trio.
So what do you think of my test team? Can they beat the Kiwis, or are they missing too much firepower? Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and let’s see how close we get to the official side.
Beergardener
Roar Pro
Mine would be: 1 Boyd 2 Slater 3 Leilua 4 Chambers 5 Holmes 6 Maloney/Thurston 7 Cronk 8 Vaughn 9 Smith 10 McGuire 11 Frizell 12 Gillett 13 Cordner 14 Morgan 15 Thaiday 16 Woods 17 Napa
Muzz
Guest
A better side than the one actually selected!
andrew
Guest
I know he wasn't going to make big changes, but sorry Morgan shouldn't be wearing an Australian jersey at the moment and I think there are plenty more deserving players than Klemmer on form. It isn't like these guys have played 15 Tests for Australia and have some sort of mortgage on their jersey.
Albo
Guest
So as Mal indicated, they have gone pretty much with the incumbents apart from those injured: The 2017 ANZAC Test Kangaroos squad is: 1 Darius Boyd 2 Blake Ferguson 3 Josh Dugan 4 Will Chambers 5 Valentine Holmes 6 Johnathan Thurston 7 Cooper Cronk 8 Aaron Woods 9 Cameron Smith 10 David Klemmer 11 Boyd Cordner 12 Matt Gillett 13 Trent Merrin 14 Michael Morgan 15 Josh Papalii 16 Tyson Frizell 17 Sam Thaiday 18th man - Shannon Boyd 19th man - James Maloney 20th man - Justin O’Neill
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
It's quite cute actually. It's also legitimate, unless you believe that every nation playing rugby league ought to have started doing so in 1895/1908 and have professional competitions. But that would just be silly now, wouldn't it.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
Like this team but not sure its going to happen. Would be amazing if Vaughan got a starting spot - how good is he going. I expect Fifita will get his spot and all the talk has been about Dugan and Chambers in the centres and Ferguson will probably retain his spot on the wing given how well he went in the 4 nations. I'd love to see Croker and BJ play but not expecting it.
Herman Hoth
Guest
That's a great bench mate. I would be very happy if they picked that team. This is my fantasy team: 1) Billy the kid 2) Brett Morris 3) Josh Morris 4) Joey Leilua 5) Valentine Holmes 6) J.T or BBQ is Thurston is unfit 7) Cooper Donkey 8) Woodsy, despite being a bit of a plodder he has "experience" 9) Kevin Spacey 10) Paul Vaughn/Josh 'Moose' McGuire/Dylan Napa 11) Boyd Cordner 12) Matt Gillett 13) David 'Mad Dog' Klemmer (absolutely monstered the Kiwis in the four nations last year) 14) Pikel Morgan (his form is rubbish atm but will not be displaced, my pick would be for another forward) so could be a choice of Fafita, Ryan James, Paul Vaughn, Dylan Napa, Josh McGuire, Frizzell, Scott Bolton haha) 15) Josh Papalli 16) Shannon Boyd 17) Wade Graham Slater has made a great return from injury and is still the best option at fullback. Has not missed a beat, Darious shifts to the wing to accommodate Slats. Even as a Queenslander I have all the time in the world for the Morris twins. I don't think they've ever lost a test match that they've played together in and their effort to chase down that Tiger's player on the weekend summed up their character. Leilua is the form center of the competition and must be picked, Holmes played very well on the wing outside of Inglis last year and has some x-factor about him. The props is where is gets interesting because Australia has a wealth of talent there at the moment. Vaughn, McGuire, Jarrod Wallace, Napa, James, Boyd are all huge men and playing very well. The backrow picks itself, tenacious defenders and strong runners. Klemmer adds that extra grunt to the center of the park in both attack and defence. I think Wade Graham should honestly be the utility and Mal should pick another three forwards. Say Papalli (great form all season) Moose and Boyd who played very well during the four nations.
Mathew Stealer
Guest
Wouldn't matter who you pick you play against just as many other Australians playing for the other countries. How cute everyone gets a go
jeff dustby
Guest
yes, the national team is up for debate in a very tough match against a side far superior than any state side.
Pauk
Guest
+1
steve
Guest
After Thurston and Smith, id have Papali next on the sheet
Pauk
Guest
Wow! Great Team.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Riley is the bomb. Much respect to him. The Roar should make him an Expert...
eagleJack
Roar Guru
It's definitely one of the main reasons for little chat. What is there to speculate about? No doubt Origin is a major event in many people's minds. I think it's great. But similarly there is little discussion on QLDs Origin team compared to NSW's. Is that because there is little interest in QLD? Or is it because my wife, who has no idea about rugby league, could pretty much name their entire squad to a man? No doubt International league is still down the pecking order when it comes to importance in the Australian landscape. That is of course the other reason for little chat. But sitting around waiting for others to do something about it, could be the problem. Nothing stopping International fans from posting pieces. Riley Pettigrew has been doing a great job on that front.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
"The reason there has been little discussion is because Mal has been open and honest throughout the process." Sure but I don't think that is the reason why there has been little discussion. Origin is insane in the minds of many. But then civil wars usually are usually like that.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Do you ever actually add anything to any discussion? Serious question. The reason there has been little discussion is because Mal has been open and honest throughout the process. He will keep the same team that won the Four Nations. He's even pointed out injured replacements along the way. Thurston - Maloney Scott - Fifita. Inglis - Chambers Now there could be a surprise or two. But we won't see any debutants that I can guarantee. They might be a chance for the WC squad rather than the ANZAC Test where you only get a small prep.
jeff dustby
Guest
great to see someone picking the national team rather than the hundreds who tell you their NSw team