The side the Kangaroos must pick for the World Cup

The diff is you had 11/13 Qld starters! As a Qld'er, I think that'd be a beautiful thing. I understand your thoughts on Wallace - to be truthful I am ambivalent about who starts alongside Klemmer. I chose Wallace because he and Vaughn are pretty much the biggest metre-eaters this season; Wallace gets the nod because of his SOO experience this year. Plus, I think his low-tackling, no nonsense style compliments Klemmers aggression. Fifita on the bench because he's been too inconsistent for a starting spot. He can be a real impact player from the bench. Napa had a really good origin series, but he was picked for Qld largely on reputation. His form for the Roosters this year has been solid only. Truth be told, Vaughn's lack of rep experience aside, he probably deserves to be there with Klemmer. But I can't see that happening. Papalii has the value of playing week-in week-out on the edge, but has enough size and impact to play in the middle - that's why he's on my bench, to cover Gillett and Cordner injuries, but play through middle with impact if none. I like Gagai - based on form he's very close to getting a gig. I think the constant switching between centre and FB for the Knights hurts his chances. Does nothing to dispel concerns about him having poor defense. I think J. Bird has more long-term upside.

If your side includes Wade Graham ahead of Tyson Frizell, it's not even worth talking about the rest of it.

Koroisau is Fijian and will be playing for them. Fiji could have a gun side.

I only had 12 QLDer's in my 17. I see you've dropped it back to 11 though :). I don't think Wallace deserves a front row spot and as player of the origin series Gagai deserves to start but I would have J Bird in the extended squad still. I also don't know if Papalii has done enough this year in either club footy or origin.

As a fullback he is..as a winger he's the main man...

Love the Maroon Aus team you named there BTW MIchael. Shame you had no room for Tim Glasby though!! Here's my team & squad: FB - Slater RW/C - Holmes & Chambers LW/C - Darius Boyd & J.Bird Halves - Maloney & Cronk Hooker - Smith Props - Klemmer & Wallace 2nd Row - Gillett & Cordner Lock - McGuire Bench - Morgan, Jurbo, Fifita, Papalii Rest of Squad - Gagai, T.Turbo, DCE, Napa, Vaughn, Frizell & Friend There's a little bit of pragmatism going on here, balancing what I would like to see with what is realistic. For instance, if I totally owned the team, I would have DCE in 6 instead of Maloney who reverts to the back-up, but I can't see Mal doing that. I really don't understand the fuss about Wade Graham. Yes, some weeks he goes gang-busters, but others he is a deadset liability. He proved it last night, and in SOO games 2 & 3

I would give Koroisau a look as second hooker. He's been in outstanding form all year. Has got his passing game working right (not good last year) is a tenacious defender, and makes great yards from dummy half. He also involves himself in everything. Great energy.

Agreed Bearfax - Morgan gets in the squad because of his utility value, but on top of him the squad should have 3 genuine halves. Cronk's ticket is already booked, and I think Mal will opt for the experience of Maloney who, despite missing tackles, has improved virtually every side he's played with. He was dangerous for most of the last two SOO series too. But DCE is the probably the 2nd best half in the game right now behind Cronk. Great insurance if Cronk goes down, but also a viable 6 alongside Cronk IMO.

I could leave out Munster But I can't leave out Klemmer or Slater, and neither will Big Mal. Left centre is the most vexing position IMO. Not because there are two standouts and you can't decide who to pick, but because there are none!! You've listed Boyd, who did a great job there in SOO Game 2, but is a fullback. And the only others centres who are playing well are all right-sided.

Come on Tim. No Slater or Klemmer but Graham, Papali and Fifita in. Mansour has talent but all those listed are a step above him this year. I like Friend in their and don't be surprised if Hunt doesn't get a utility spot.

Holmes is no myth. Napa I could agree with (although he was very good in SOO)

Lots of options to choose from. I will wait till I see the form through the next 2 months including the finals series before I would nominate my squad. Seems there are few in that list provided that are long past their use by date or currently way below form ( eg Maloney), and a few current popular myths ( Mansour, Napa & Holmes).

Am I missing something here. Thurston out, Cronk approaching the end of his career and you dont pick DCE on the bench at least. Check out Manly's performances this year and you will see DCE dominating time and again. Morgan and mansour are good, but they dont dominate. Maloney is a class act but he's inconsistent. Sorry cant take your side seriously leaving DCE out

Wade Graham, not James

That's a much better side Michael Keeffe but Graham will be playing for England. Not too sure about Klemmer. He doesn't know how to use his size or his strength. Junior Paulo would be a better option.

Umm is there really Slater on that list?

Whilst the majority of your squad is good you can't seriously leave out Slater, Munster or Klemmer. Slater Gagai Chambers Boyd Holmes Munster Cronk Klemmer Smith Napa Gillett Cordner McGuire Morgan Trbojevic Vaughn Graham

Shame McGuire won't be lining up for Samoa. But he'll be wearing the 13 for sure.

I needed a good laugh today!