With State of Origin over, the representative emphasis turns to who Australia will select for their World Cup campaign at the end of the season. 24 players will be picked to defend the title Australia won by beating England 6-0 in the 2017 final.
Traditionally, incumbency, Origin form and performance in the finals series carries a lot of weight when it comes to Australian selection.
When it comes to incumbency, Australia is at a disadvantage, as it hasn’t played test football since their 16-12 upset loss to Tonga in 2019. COVID prevented the Kangaroos from putting that loss behind them, and eight of the seventeen players picked for that game did not feature in the 2022 Origin series, including retired captain, Boyd Cordner. The others were Paul Vaughan, Josh Addo-Carr, Nick Cotric, Latrell Mitchell, Tyson Frizell, David Klemmer and Wade Graham.
Before selecting the Australian squad, let’s have a look at the potential make up. They’ll almost certainly pick two fullbacks, two halfbacks and two hookers. Probably one specialist five-eighth, and maybe a second, or at least a player that can comfortably fill in there.
Australia will certainly go with four front rowers, and six back rowers – two of which can play in the front row if required. They will also pick six outside backs, one or more who will be able to fill in at fullback or five-eighth if required. That’s the 24.
Fullbacks are easy. James Tedesco and Kalyn Ponga pick themselves. Halfbacks are pretty easy too. Daly Cherry-Evans is the incumbent, and Nathan Cleary has stamped himself as one of the top players in the game over the last two seasons.
Hookers? Damien Cook lost his starting spot at the Blues, and Ben Hunt has found his best form again. Harry Grant will probably the back up.
Cameron Munster is a sure thing for five-eighth. With Jarome Luai pledging allegiance elsewhere, this could be a role for Jack Wighton. Yet I think Nicho Hynes is more likely to feature, especially as Cronulla look like going deep into the finals.
Not to say I wouldn’t have Jack Wighton in my squad. His utility value alone should ensure his selection as one of the six three-quarters. Dane Gagai and Valentine Holmes seem the only other certainties here. Brian To’o is out, so that surely opens the door for Josh Addo-Carr to return. Matt Burton could take Jack Wighton’s role, and Daniel Tupou is a safe pick. However, as the season goes on I think Ryan Papenhuyzen will again challenge for a spot. Selwyn Cobbo is a chance, but so is Clint Gutherson, Latrell Mitchell, and maybe even Rueben Garrick. I’d be picking Mitchell and Papenhuyzen.
Four front rowers? Let’s hope Josh Papali’i is available. Payne Haas was a beast in Origin One, and will be picked if fit. I’m a big fan of Lindsay Collins, and he should be picked if the Roosters can make an impression in the finals. Junior Paulo was the pick of the NSW front rowers and has probably earned his spot. There will still be competition from Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Daniel Saifiti.
If you’re looking for two back rowers who can move to the front of the engine room, look no further than Jake Trbojevic and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui. Cameron Murray and Issah Yeo seem certainties, leaving two spots. I think Patrick Carriagn has played his way into the Australian squad, which leaves Liam Martin, Kurt Capewell, Angus Crichton, Jeremiah Nani, Tom Gilbert, Jai Arrow, Felise Kaufusi, Haumone Olakau’autu and Ryan Matterson fighting for the final spot. All of them have a claim, but I think Liam Martin’s form over the last two years earns him the pick.
So, my squad is: James Tedesco, Kalyn Ponga, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Josh Addo-Carr, Dane Gagai, Valentine Holmes, Latrell Mitchell, Jack Wighton, Cameron Munster, Nicho Hynes, Daly Cherry-Evans, Nathan Cleary, Issah Yeo, Jake Trbojevic, Cameron Murray, Patrick Carrigan, Liam Martin, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Payne Haas, Josh Papali’i, Junior Paulo, Lindsay Collins, Ben Hunt, Harry Grant.
All that’s left is to pick the captain. Since Boyd Cordner’s retirement, James Tedesco has admirably filled the role at both Sydney Roosters and New South Wales. However, Daly Cherry-Evans has led Queensland to unlikely State of Origin series victories in 2020 and 2022, and guided Manly to within a game of the 2021 Grand Final. Tedesco’s time will certainly come, but for the 2022 World Cup, it must be Daly Cherry-Evans to lead Australia.