Daly Cherry-Evans will have one last chance to make a case for reclaiming Australia’s halfback jersey when he lines up in the Prime Minister’s XIII match on September 23.
The day after incumbent No.7 Nathan Cleary leads Penrith in their preliminary final, Cherry-Evans will run out against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby.
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has confirmed that a finger injury had kept South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell from being considered for this match and the upcoming Pacific Tests.
The omission of star North Queensland centre Valentine Holmes came after the NRL launched an investigation into an Instagram post that appeared to show the Cowboys star with a bag of white powder.
Dolphins speedster Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has been selected in an indication he will make himself available for Australia in the upcoming Test series rather than Samoa, who he has previously represented.
Eight players from last year’s World Cup-winning squad have been selected, with Souths lock Cameron Murray appointed captain for the first time.
Cherry-Evans, 34, has already acknowledged Cleary is the front-runner to play halfback in the spring Test series after the Panthers co-captain usurped him during last year’s victorious World Cup campaign.
But the Manly halfback followed his relegation with one of the best individual seasons of his career, despite the Sea Eagles missing finals.
He remains hungry to feature for Australia in the Pacific Test matches that begin in October.
“I’m always, always ambitious to play rep footy,” Cherry-Evans said late last month.
Tom Dearden, Cody Walker, Ben Hunt and Nicho Hynes are Meninga’s options for Cherry-Evans’ halves partner.
Comprised of players from clubs who have already been eliminated from finals contention, the Prime Minister’s XIII returned from a COVID-enforced hiatus last year.
Cameron Murray. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images for RLWC)
The match traditionally showcases up-and-coming players as well, with Canberra prop Emre Guler and Gold Coast rookie Alofiana Khan-Pereira both in line for their first representative jerseys.
Taking the match to PNG, its usual home, for the first time since 2018 is another boost for the Pacific nation in its bid to secure the licence for the NRL’s 18th team.
The 2023 Australian Men’s Prime Minister’s XIII: Josh Addo-Carr, Daly Cherry-Evans, Reuben Cotter, Tom Dearden, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Emre Guler, Ben Hunt, Nicho Hynes, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Zac Lomax, Cameron McInnes, Cameron Murray (capt), Reece Robson, Tyrell Sloan, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Murray Taulagi, Jake Trbojevic, Cody Walker.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Unfortunately the thought comes to mind that it's a political selection. Albo's 'yes' campaign is tanking so badly maybe he's looking for things other than on-field ability. I like Sloan, he's really exciting to watch but his defence has no place in a match up against PNG or any international side atm. And there are other players with much better credentials.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Wasting time? He outplayed all NSW halves (save maybe Walker in the last SOO) this year so he actually should be a shoe-in for the Kangaroo half. Cleary is an excellent club half, yet to consistently outshine DCE at Origin level.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Yeah, first thing I saw.. WTHeck??
souvalis
Roar Rookie
If the PM wanted to get a Dragon in that bad it should have been Blake L. for Gueler.
Noel
Roar Rookie
Bula selected for Fiji, but otherwise yes and yes.
Noel
Roar Rookie
I accept I'm biased, because I really like Tommy Dearden, but for my two cents I didn't think he looked out of place when he played for the Maroons. He's a brave lad who plays his best with a simple game plan; he's better as the Beta half, as opposed to the Alpha. That being said, he's not in any danger of unseating Munster. I've still got him ahead of Mam, but next season that may change...
Tony
Roar Guru
I don't think that the PM's team is considered to be international level
NSWelshman
Roar Rookie
Walker & Burton are not in the same stratosphere as DCE! Old has been lololol!
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
I have the feeling Sam Walker will get his shot soon enough. But he can't get picked for a rep side after just one or two good games at the back end of the season.
Tony
Roar Guru
You'll have to ask Flanno, but I can't see a future for a player who can't tackle
Stewy76
Roar Rookie
I'm keen to hear from all the roar bloggers.. Tommy Dearden, is he really international level?? I've been a bit surprised to see him at Origin level TBH.. He's a solid club player but he still looks like a boy in the men's game in the big games imo..
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
So is Tyrell Sloan playing first-grade for the Dragons again? Or did he get selected from ressies? A truly baffling selection call.
Tony
Roar Guru
Must be drawn out of a hat :laughing:
Renegade
Roar Guru
You know it’s a dud pick when even dragons fans are scratching their head…
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
The “has been” is still elite and IMO better than those 2. Young guys got to earn their shot, not get handed it for being under 30.
Dutski
Roar Guru
Easily
Tony
Roar Guru
Even so, Sloan would have to be behind the likes of Drinkwater, Bula and Garrick
Richard POWELL
Roar Rookie
Why are we still wasting time with DCE? Surely Sam Walker or Mat Burton could be blooded rather than old has beens.
Dutski
Roar Guru
That name stood out to me too. I’m assuming that’s depth cover for the Hammer at fullback?
Tony
Roar Guru
Tyrell Sloan? Clearly Albanese knows less about rugby league than he knows about the Australian economy.