Kangaroos face big Cleary-DCE headache after Origin twist as experts reveal their picks

Wednesday’s decider was one of the greatest ever State of Origin clashes and it’s thrown up some fascinating questions when it comes to Kangaroos selections for this year’s World Cup.

Greats Cooper Cronk and Michael Ennis have discussed who should don the Australian gold when the tournament is held in England in October-November, with the battle between Nathan Cleary and Daly Cherry-Evans for the starting No.7 jersey among the biggest talking points.

Stream the FOX LEAGUE State of Origin Game 3 REPLAY on Kayo with no ads during-play. Both full and condensed replays available to stream from 11PM AEST. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

‘Can you imagine Munster right now?’ | 02:22

This year’s Origin series was always going to be an unofficial World Cup trial and a number of players stood up when it counted for their states over the enthralling three-game epic — reminding Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga how they can perform on the big stage.

Here’s some takeaways in the key positions as Cronk and Ennis give their views on the makeup of Australia’s spine.

MORE NRL NEWS

NSW RATINGS: Brutal Cleary moment that sealed Origin fate; Blues star’s nightmare

QLD RATINGS: Ponga tortures Blues as maligned $1m Maroons’ superhuman display

‘TAD RIDICULOUS’: Fittler fumes at double sin-binning after Burton ‘got belted’

‘AS GOOD AS I’VE EVER SEEN’: Billy’s stunning admission over series triumph

FULLBACK

Cometh the hour, cometh the man; Kalyn Ponga was arguably the difference in the State of Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium, but it’s highly unlikely it will be enough to oust Kangaroos incumbent — and possible captain-in-waiting — James Tedesco.

Newcastle co-captain Ponga played his best game in Queensland maroon, scoring a try and running for 247 metres on his way to man-of-the-match honours.

But Wednesday’s decider was also a great showing of Ponga’s leadership, who overcame criticism and put on a great show for his state.

Former Blues hooker Ennis said that Ponga had a phenomenal performance for the Maroons, which included 16 tackle busts as well.

“That shows his intent to carry the ball for his side and that was a glaring difference in Game Two, the difference in New South Wales’ back three. You had Tupou, To’o and James Tedesco, James Tedesco tonight was incredible,” Ennis said on the Post Game Show.

“This is why people love Kalyn Ponga. When he performs like this, when he produces these performances in big games, it’s why he has the expectation every single week in club football.

“We just know how good he can be. The more he gets himself in this mood, the more he gets involved, like every single time he touched the ball tonight I was nervous. I was nervous something was going to happen.”

While Ponga was a shining light for the Maroons, so was Tedesco for the Blues Almost anything Ponga could do, Teddy could do better, with the Blues captain having run for 261m.

Former Kangaroos captain Boyd Cordner revealed earlier this week that he wants Tedesco to lead Australia at the World Cup.

Cronk also believes that the Roosters fullback is the man to lead Australia later this year, and that he’s also a “lock” to hold his spot in the number one jersey.

“Ponga was great but no one will take away the captain’s (spot), because I expect him to be the captain of Australia at the World Cup,” Cronk said.

FIVE-EIGHTH

The rugby league world stood still when it was revealed that Melbourne Storm playmaker Cameron Munster wouldn’t line up for Queensland in the Origin decider due to Covid.

Munster has been one of Queensland’s best players in recent memory, and it was always going to be a big hole to fill.

While debutant Tom Dearden went on to have a blinder on debut, Cronk isn’t expecting Munster to be threatened as a starter for the Kangaroos.

Meninga does have options, however, in the form of Jarome Luai, who scored a try in the decider last night, particular if he goes with fellow Penrith star Cleary at No.7

“He was full of energy, there was no doubt that he was certainly up for the contest,” Ennis said.

“They targeted him. Queensland, as much he targeted them, they were looking to bait him.

“He was into everything early. He was solid. Defensively he had that opportunity to stop one or two of the tries.”

HALFBACK

Cleary has been one of the best rugby league players on the planet over the last few years, but he’s set to go head-to-head with Maroons captain Cherry-Evans for the Kangaroos halfback spot.

While it seemed Cleary was making an irresistible case to be Australia’s starting halfback, Cherry-Evans’ mammoth performance in leading Queensland to an unlikely series victory has certainly thrown a spanner in the works.

Cleary put on a masterclass in Game Two, and led the Blues to what was at the time a series-saving win.

The Panthers playmaker was perfect off the kicking tee at Suncorp Stadium last night, and also ran for 148 metres with the ball in hand.

Also a reliable defender, there’s a reason Cronk believes he’s the man to replace the incumbent Cherry-Evans in the Kangaroos starting line-up.

Cronk said Cherry-Evans still deserved to be in the Kangaroos Cup squad, but he believes Cleary still leads the race.

“Cherry-Evans is on the plane but if you’re asking what my starting side is, the seven is Cleary,” Cronk said.

HOOKER

Ben Hunt earnt his redemption after the horrors of the 2015 NRL final against the Cowboys.

The runaway try in the dying stages to seal the win for the Maroons will forever go down in history as one of the greatest Maroons moments, and it’s left Australia’s options wide open when it comes to hooker.

Hunt, leader of the 2022 Dally M race before voting went secret, looks a strong chance to be included in the World Cup squad, especially if Meninga opts to go with the same combination with Harry Grant that proved so effective for Queensland.

There’s plenty of depth and options at No.9 with both Apisai Koroisau and Damien Cook also in the frame and Ennis said the selections could depend on combinations.

“I would say Harry Grant or Api Koroisau,” Ennis said when asked who should be Australia’s starting hooker. “It’ll depend on who they go for at seven and six.”