As the dust from the NRL grand final settles we shift our focus to the international period with the Rugby League World Cup just around the corner.
Tomorrow Mal Meninga will name his 24-man squad for the World Cup as Australia launch their title defence.
Meninga is spoilt for choice with a host of players at his disposal. Who will pull on the green and gold in 2017?
Fullback – Billy Slater (Melbourne Storm, 25 Tests)
The rest: Darius Boyd, James Tedesco, Tom Trbojevic
Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater has redeemed himself, returning from injury to explode back onto the scene in career-best form. Slater is no stranger to the Kangaroos jumper having played 25 Tests between 2008 and 2015.
Slater’s return to the top has been unprecedented playing 21 games this season including the grand final and also making his long-awaited return to State of Origin. Slater has a proven combination with Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith, and should edge out Darius Boyd, James Tedesco and Tom Trbojevic for the No.1 jumper.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Wing – Darius Boyd (Brisbane Broncos, 23 Tests) and James Tedesco (Wests Tigers, yet to debut)
The rest: Josh Addo-Carr, Dane Gagai, Valentine Holmes, Corey Oates
A 23-Test veteran, Darius Boyd will be hoping to return to the Kangaroos for the World Cup after overcoming injury during the finals series with the Brisbane Broncos. Boyd has taken control of the Broncos, forming the crux of their attack and leading from the frontline in their top-four finish. He will likely miss out on playing fullback to Billy Slater but has played on the wing before and will transfer his skills to suit his role.
James Tedesco is another fullback who may find himself playing out of position. He has been a gem for the Wests Tigers in an otherwise disappointing season which saw them finish 15th.
Tedesco is yet to make his Kangaroos debut but after showing what he can do in State of Origin and for the PM’s XIII, the RLPA Player of the Year is in line to pull on the green and gold for the first time.
A number of other players have staked their claim for a spot in Mal Meninga’s side with Josh Addo-Carr bringing up 21 tries with the Melbourne Storm while Dane Gagai was named player of the series in State of Origin and Corey Oates has continued his brilliance for the Broncos. Valentine Holmes will also be in the hunt as the incumbent on the wing.
Centre – William Chambers (Melbourne Storm, two Tests) and Tom Trbojevic (Manly Sea Eagles, yet to debut)
The rest: Jack Bird, Josh Dugan, Blake Ferguson, James Roberts, Curtis Scott
Incumbent Kangaroos Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson are likely to miss out on selection after struggling both on and off the field throughout the 2017 season.
William Chambers is expected to retain his spot in the backline after continuing his dominance as one of the premier centres in rugby league in the Melbourne Storm’s minor premiership season.
Chambers could be partnered in the centres by Manly Sea Eagles fullback Tom Trbojevic who is yet to debut but after an outstanding effort for the PM’s XIII, has launched himself into the selection frame. The 20-year-old has been at the top of his game throughout the 2017 season and is able to settle into any spot in the backline.
Alongside Dugan and Ferguson, Jack Bird and James Roberts will be pressing for selection while Curtis Scott could be a surprise addition after exploding onto the scene with the Storm this season showing great composure throughout.
Five-eighth – Michael Morgan (North Queensland Cowboys, seven Tests)
The rest: Mitchell Moses, Cameron Munster
Michael Morgan has become the form player of the NRL, coming out from behind the shadow of Johnathan Thurston to steer his Cowboys on a fairytale run toward the grand final.
Morgan is no stranger to the Test arena with seven appearances for the green and gold under his belt and his proven himself in starting at No.6 for the Maroons during their series win this year.
He will be in a race with James Maloney most likely for the starting spot while Mitchell Moses and Cameron Munster are also in contention for a spot in the side. Moses has been a revelation since joining the Parramatta Eels from the Wests Tigers showing his composure while Munster has had a strong season making his Origin debut and coming into his own at five-eighth.
Halfback – Cooper Cronk (Melbourne Storm, 33 Tests)
The rest: James Maloney, Corey Norman
Cronk’s career at the Melbourne Storm may have ended but he will be looking for a big sendoff with the Kangaroos. The halfback will likely once again pull on the No.7 jersey for the Kangaroos with 33 Tests already under his belt in their World Cup title defence.
There will be competition for the backup spot between James Maloney and Corey Norman. Maloney has been around the Kangaroos camp before after playing at last year’s Four Nations while Norman is yet to debut however, after a strong season at the Eels he has found himself in the selection frame.
Front row – Aaron Woods (Wests Tigers, nine Tests) and Andrew Fifita (Cronulla Sharks, seven Tests)
The rest: Reagan Campbell-Gillard, David Klemmer, Jordan McLean, Dylan Napa, Matthew Scott, Paul Vaughan
New South Wales front row pair Aaron Woods and Andrew Fifita are in the driver’s seat to make up the Kangaroos’ pack. Both Woods and Fifita were lethal for the Blues during the State of Origin series and have Test experience behind them.
David Klemmer will also be vying for a spot in the pack while Matthew Scott is racing against the clock to recover from injury and retain his place in the Kangaroos side although with little NRL games in 2017 he is unlikely.
Jordan McLean, Dylan Napa and Paul Vaughan have shown their tenaciousness throughout the season with all three hunting a Test debut. Meanwhile, Reagan Campbell-Gillard has had a brilliant year off the interchange for the Panthers with the possibility of representing Australia a real possibility.
Hooker – Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm, 50 Tests)
The rest: Jake Friend, Jake Granville, Apisai Koroisau
(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Cameron Smith will be the first name down on the teamsheet for Meninga, his name already etched in. The skipper has had a stellar season, performing at the top of his game in helping the Storm to win another grand final and winning his second Dally M Medal in the process.
Smith already has 50 Tests under his belt and will go close to surpassing Darren Lockyer’s record 59 appearances for the Kangaroos.
It appears to be a three-horse race for the backup No.9 with incumbent reserve Jake Friend battling with Manly’s in-form dummy half Apisai Koroisau and Jake Granville who is a bolter following the Cowboys’ late season charge toward the grand final.
Second Row – Matt Gillett (Brisbane Broncos, seven Tests) and Boyd Cordner (Sydney Roosters, 11 Tests)
The rest: Gavin Cooper, Tyson Frizell, Josh Jackson, Josh Papalii, Sam Thaiday
New South Wales skipper Boyd Cordner and Broncos workhorse Matt Gillett are the incumbent backrowers for the Kangaroos and have done everything to ensure their jobs are safe.
Both Cordner and Gillett have continued to play at the top of their game for their respective teams although the likes of Tyson Frizell, Josh Jackson, Gavin Cooper and Josh Papalii have all been outstanding in 2017.
Sam Thaiday could be forced out of the side with the 32-test veteran overshadowed by the next generation of second-rowers as Mal Meninga looks to move the Kangaroos forward into a new era.
Lock forward – Jake Trbojevic (Manly Sea Eagles, two Tests)
The rest: Nathan Brown, Wade Graham, Josh McGuire, Trent Merrin
After making his Kangaroos debut against Scotland last year, Jake Trbojevic now appears to be a staple in the Australian side. The Sea Eagles enforcer is almost a certainty to suit up for his country at the World Cup after another damaging year with the Silvertails.
Trbojevic will have stiff competition from incumbent Trent Merrin while Broncos big man Josh McGuire and Sharks back rower Wade Graham are also in contention alongside Nathan Brown who has been a revelation for the Eels since joining the club from Redfern.
Predicted Kangaroos World Cup Squad: Cameron Smith (c), Darius Boyd, William Chambers, Boyd Cordner, Cooper Cronk, Andrew Fifita, Jake Friend, Tyson Frizell, Dane Gagai*, Matt Gillett, Valentine Holmes, David Klemmer, Josh Jackson, Josh McGuire, Michael Morgan, Cameron Munster*, Corey Oates*, Josh Papalii, Billy Slater, James Tedesco*, Sam Thaiday, Jake Trbojevic, Tom Trbojevic*, Aaron Woods (*yet to debut)
Roarers, who do you think will play for the Kangaroos at the Rugby League World Cup? Can Australia defend their ‘world champion’ status?
Wooden Spoon
Guest
Would have picked (go around against Lebanon): 1. Slater vc (Boyd vc - c against Lebanon) 2. Oates 3. Chambers (Jennings) 4. Morgan (Holmes, Oates moves to the centres) 5. Gagai 6. Munster (Norman) 7. Cronk vc (Maloney) 8. Trbojevic 9. Smith c (Farah...) 10. Fifita 11. Cordner 12. Gillett (Jackson) 13. McGuire 14. Frizell 15. Papalii 16. Klemmer 17. Vaughan
Bunney
Roar Rookie
I think Hunt's selection says more about his versatility (covers half and hooker well) and the limitations of having a 24-man squad. Or maybe it was his brilliant SOO 3 cameo! :-) I hate having such a restricted squad. It penalises teams with depth, for no good reason. Its a big part of why we lost the 2008 world cup. I'm not saying this as a Rugby League thing - this is a big tournament thing that happens in lots of sports. In this case, the heir apparent Jake Friend, gets shafted because he covers one position only. In this tournament, where Australia are raging hot faves, I have less of an issue with it, because I don't want to see an extremely lop-sided tournament, but, I am against the principal of it.
Michael Keeffe
Roar Guru
Side was just leaked last night. Dugan is in as well as Fifita and Woods. Yep I don't like Fifita much, but on his day he is very good and in all honesty he'll probably thrive under Mal as most players do. I don't know if he's the best prop in the game but yes it's probably my dislike of him coming through. Woods however seems like a top bloke, I just think he's overrated. Bolters are Kaufusi - which is probably well deserved and Ben Hunt as backup hooker. Hunt's selection probably says as much about the state of backup hookers as it does about him. It's not like any of the other No. 9's were robbed. McCullough was in career best form before his injury and Jake Granville is definitely carrying an injury and not at his best. I rate Jake Friend who is a little unlucky to miss out but his form towards the end of the season dropped off and wasn't demanding selection. Peats, Cook, Wallace, McInnes, etc are all solid first graders but not exactly kicking the door down. So Ben Hunt - a halfback and fill in hooker gets a run.
realist
Guest
Are you serious? De Bellin in front of Klemmer lolol. Klemmer has been the Bulldogs best & along with Jake T were the dominant forwards for NSW! Vaughan 100% in front of Woods & Fafita!
realist
Guest
Check the stats & see who is the better fullback mate!
big daddy
Guest
I believe felise kaufusi is a shoe in. someone in the selectors must be taking the p**s.
Renegade
Roar Guru
I think you're actually pretty close Michael. Only changes would be that I'd have Teddy as part of the outside backs.... he is Slater's understudy, meaning either drop Tommy or Mansour. Plus Munster can slot in anywhere in that backline too. Sounds like you don't like Fifita but it's a guarantee he will be the first prop picked considering his the best prop in the game. As much as I'm not a big Woods fan, I think he would hold is spot ahead of Napa and Vaughan. With those three changes I reckon you're on the money.
big daddy
Guest
if we pick Tedesco,mcguire,vaughn,napa,mansour these are players who played for other countries in last world cup.why don't we just pick the eyes out of every other country who has dual nationality. lets make it possible so no one else can win. this whole selection system sucks big time.
Michael Keeffe
Roar Guru
My squad would be: Oustide Backs: Slater, Boyd, Holmes, Gagai, Chambers, T Trbojevic, Mansour Halves: Cronk, Morgan, Munster, Maloney Hookers: Smith, Friend Middle Forwards: Napa, Klemmer, McGuire, J Trbojevic, McLean, Vaughn Edge Forwards: Gillett, Cordner, Frizzel, Graham, Cooper Shadow players in case of injury: Kaufusi, Hess, Hunt, Tedesco From your squad I'd leave out Fifita (not worth the trouble and teams have worked him out), Woods (overrated), Jackson (good player I just think the players above are better), Tedesco (Slater is a lock for fullback and Boyd and Turbo are more versatile), Thaiday (struggling in first grade at the moment), Oates (way back in the winger pecking order) and Papalli (hasn't done a lot this year). Glad you haven't included Dugan or Ferguson. My fear is we'll have a squad with Woods, Fifita, Dugan and Ferguson all in it which would be a big mistake.
Mike Dugg
Guest
Can't think of many or any blues players that deserve to be there. Maybe Klemmer and J Trbo. Slater Gagai Chambers Boyd Holmes/Addo Carr Munster Cronk Klemmer Smith Vaughan Gillette Cooper McGuire Morgan Papalli Hess Kaufusi
Larry1950
Guest
Geez Riley, where do you live in Sydney. Seven nsw forwards against six Queenslanders for a start, gotta be taking the p*ss. As a card carrying maroon, even I can't give Sammy Thaiday a run in this squad but you've come up with some shockers. Holmes & Gagai should get a wing spot ahead of Boyd or Tedesco, they're wingers and not injured. Hunt makes more sense as a backup hooker ahead of Friend, covering for Smith and Cronk. Jake Turbo is a good development choice but McGuire is a certainty on form at club & origin level. Anyone but woods & Fifita, go with Vaughan, Scott, Boyd and Napa plus McLean if Scott is out. Don't like him but Dugan stays at centre with Chambers or you go with Boyd if fit. No Corey Oates in my squad, versatility of Gagai, Holmes & Boyd excludes him. Tedesco in the squad for sure but in which universe do Moses or Norman get a look in for half or 5/8 spots. Cronk, Morgan, Munster with Hunt as backup covers those spots. You got second row right, with Frizell the backup.
Bunney
Roar Rookie
Good article Riley, though I cannot agree with everything you've listed. Here's what I would do: FB - Slater Wings - Boyd + Valentine Holmes Centre - Chambers + Jack Bird - there are no class left centres getting around at the moment, so we have to pick someone slightly left field. Jack Bird is a winner, and is a proven player at centre, although usually plays right side. (Turbo is a proven winger and fullback. No thanks for the centre posi) Halves - Morgan & Cronk Props - Klemmer & Fifita Hooker - Smith 2nd Row - Gillett & Cordner Lock - McGuire Bench - Munster, Jurbo, Papalii, Matt Scott (yes, him!) Rest of squad: Napa, Shannon Boyd, Gagai, DCE, Gavin Cooper, Jake Friend, Josh Jackson Unfortunately, I think Aaron Woods will be selected over Napa or Shannon Boyd, and I am fearful that Dugan and Fergo will too. They are a horrid right side combo, who should never be picked for Australia again. Chambers and Holmes as the long-term right side combo for mine. DCE should be the back-up half to first choice Cronk & Morgo. And as good as Tedesco is (very, very) both Slater and D. Boyd are better picks for this tournament.
johnno2
Guest
My apologies - forgot to include gillett
johnno2
Guest
These are my selections but we all know it won't happen like this slater gagai addo carr chambers boyd morgan cronk mc guire cordner j trbojevic smith kaufusi klemmer papali Jackson munster t trbojevic in case boyd is not fit
Nat
Roar Guru
I think the beauty of the WC is that many players can get a start for different games. As for best props, I agree with Fifita but Klemmer over Woods or even RCG and Mcguire starts at lock. Interesting that no one has raised W. Graham? Turbo cannot get centre so Bird or Gagai with Holmes on the wing. I'm a big Boyd fan but he either has to be at FB or not at all. Mal will not do a NSW and pick the most talented 17 and find spots for them, it will be best player in their respective positions and what they show in the lead up games. Cronk may not be there so Morgan and Munster in the halves. Can we field an Aus A team? 1, Tede 2, Turbo 3, Roberts (Walker if not injured) 4, Mitchell 5, Oates (or Ado Carr) 6, Milford 7, DCE 8, McLean 9, Friend 10, Vaughan 11, Lowe 12, Jackson 13, Frizell 14, Finucane 15, Hess 16, DeBellin 17, Peachy
AGordon
Guest
Jack de Bellin's had an outstanding year for the Dragons, as has Vaughn. I'd have them in there before Woods and Klemmer.
Pickett
Guest
Aaron Woods.......uurghhh
Andy
Guest
J.Tedesco???? I'll go for Teddy over Tom.T
Phast Phil
Guest
Yeah, I am trying to get my head around that. Aaron Woods lethal is like saying, Gus Gould doesn't like the sound of his own voice. I think that the front row is the weakness. Like NSW they will have to get the wings to do the hard work for them for the first three tackles each set.
Emcie
Roar Guru
yeah, I'm a broncos supporter and I can't see that happening