The last time the Australian Kangaroos took the field for an international match was against a Tongan Invitational side in early November, 2019 when Australia lost by 16 points to 12.
For trivia buffs, Broncos weapon Kotoni Staggs was a late inclusion as halfback for Tonga, while former Dragons BBQ wiz Paul Vaughan came off the bench to score one of Australia’s two tries. If the postponed World Cup goes ahead in November next year, and if Australia chooses to play, it will be three tears between drinks for the Kangaroos.
Who will be in the Australian team if it ever gets back on the park?
It will depend upon the water yet to flow under the bridge in terms of form and injuries. However, I note that the Australian Schoolboys 2021 merit team was named this week so why not jump on the bandwagon and name the 2021 merit Kangaroo team?
Note that the only criteria I have used to select the team is that the players must be available for selection in round 25, so players currently injured (e.g. Josh Addo-Carr) and suspended (e.g. Junior Paul and Latrell Mitchell) weren’t considered. I also didn’t consider either Jai Arrow or Apisai Koroisau after their State of Origin shenanigans.
Here’s what I came up with:
1. James Tedesco (captain)
Doing his utmost to keep the Roosters season alive and deserves to hold his spot despite strong competition from Turbo who will still be in the team.
2. Alex Johnston
In the form of his career and has run in 27 tries in 19 games.
3. Tom Trbojevic
The form player of the competition who can make the opposition look very ordinary whenever he has the ball.
4. Mat Burton
The most exciting back to emerge this season who seemingly is the complete footballer.
5. Brian To’o
The hardest working winger in the game who is relentless in returning the ball and knows the way to the try line.
6. Cameron Munster
Still the best 5/8 in the game and noted big game performer who deserves to hold his place in the team.
7. Nathan Cleary
The best game organizer in the competition as well as being a tough competitor and top class goal kicker.
8. Josh Papalii
There’s no stopping big Josh when he decides to rumble and has developed into a forward leader.
9. Damien Cook
Still no better hooker in the game and can bust a defence wide open just as easily as setting the backs alight.
10. Payne Haas
A freak of a player with power and speed to burn and seems to be improving each time he runs out onto the field.
11. Angus Crichton
Has taken his game to another level this year and one of the best left edge forwards in the game who combines ball skills, tough carries and punishing defence.
12. Cameron Murray
13. Isaah Yeo
Creative and tough, has good footwork and a high work rate, and provides a perfect link to the backs.
14. Daly Cherry-Evans
Has really hit his best form during Manly’s resurgence this year and will be able to cover both the halves and hooker from the bench.
15. Kurt Capewell
Skillful with the ball, good footwork and a tough, 80 minute performer who can play in either the second row or centre.
16. Cameron Welch
Top-level forward who relishes in the hard going and has a very effective offload.
17. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
A destructive ball carriers in the game a punishing defender with a big motor, and has the mobility to play either in the middle or an edge.
So what do you think? It looks to me like a lot better team than the one to last take the field for the Kangaroos. A terrific spine, point-scoring weapons all over the backline, a tough and mobile pack and a powerful and versatile bench.
Tony
Roar Guru
With Munster out, DCE to 5/8 and Harry Grant on the bench
Tony
Roar Guru
Good comments mate. Capewell was probably my weakest link.
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
On Saturday Bradman Best got dusted by an 18 year old who has only played 6 games, Selwyn Cobbo
Pomoz
Roar Rookie
Good article Tony. With a backrow of Yeo, Murray and Crichton that is some serious tackling power and plenty of footy skill as well. NSW would love to see those three run around in next year's SOO. I'm a Panther's fan and if Capewell got a jersey I would say he should buy a lottery ticket. He has been quite average for several weeks this year. Liam Martin has been a better player this season. I think Jake T would be a better option, although admittedly he couldn't play centre but Yeo, DCE and Murray can cover that at a pinch.
Dan
Guest
Munster is injured mate. Pick someone else, who's next up?
Paul
Roar Guru
that'll do.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
:thumbup: :thumbup: :boxing: perhaps?
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
:laughing:
Paul
Guest
Never seen him do that from 40 metres plus. Cleary is just a better player all round . Don’t need DCE for field goals , when Cleary as starting half has that covered.
Tony
Roar Guru
Nothing this year as far as I know mate, and probably nothing until the World Cup at the end of next year
Broken Shoulder
Roar Rookie
Great team mate, considering the criteria available. Burton is the interesting one for mine. A huge talent and so capable at both centre and 5/8. Maybe Gagai would get a sniff, being a fan favourite of big Mal. It feels like it’s been forever now since we’ve had an international; I haven’t kept up to date so do you know if any tests are happening this year?
Otsuble
Roar Rookie
Which one of you? There are several.
Otsuble
Roar Rookie
Yep. Why does he bother?
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
Harry Grant has overtaken Cook as the best hooker in the game in my opinion.
Cam
Roar Rookie
I have a link to Kurt's family, so would normally be pretty biased, but I reckon I would be able to name maybe a dozen edge forwards I'd prefer. Fifita would be the obvious choice, has 15 season tries which is the highest by any forward in the comp. To add to your list, Mitch Barnett, Keaon Koloamatangi, Tyson Frizell, Tevita Pangai, Tariq Sims, Ryan Matterson, Haumole Olakau'atu, Felise Kaufusi, and Joshua Curran are all edgies that in my opinion have had better seasons. I do like that (mostly) Tony has selected players in their positions. I hate when I read a team of the round or month and the backline has 6 fullbacks.
Nat
Roar Guru
He had to dial it back to single syllables. Did you see how many times the word "Jamil" got away from him? :laughing: He dare not attempt "de Bellin", that's high school learn'n those big words. :laughing: I guarantee his mum makes him wear a helmet when he leaves home.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
:shocked:
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
Jerome Luai, Oh no he wants to play for Samoa,
matth
Roar Guru
If it was a blue X-Trail that cut you off then I’m very sorry :laughing: :laughing:
Dan Hay
Roar Rookie
He changed his name when Smith retired.