Munster deserves World Cup berth, says Cooper

Cooper Cronk has urged Australia coach Mal Meninga to blood Cameron Munster in the green-and-gold, declaring the Storm sensation ready for a World Cup baptism.

The Kangaroos’ 24-man squad for the World Cup will be unveiled today and Munster has rocketed into the frame for selection following the Storm’s grand final win.

Australian selectors traditionally reward members of the premiership-winning team, with Storm trio Munster, Billy Slater and Josh Addo-Carr submitting strong claims for selection.

Champion Storm halfback Cronk will be Australia’s No. 7 at the World Cup, starting October 26, and says Munster, 23, has proven his ability to perform on the code’s biggest stages.

“Cam deserves an opportunity to play for Australia,” Cronk said.

“I would like to think I’ve helped Cameron a little bit in the last few years. I get a kick out of helping guys and seeing them get better and improving on the big stage.

“Ultimately it will be up to the (Australian) selectors, but he would thrive in that environment.” Another factor aiding Munster’s selection hopes is his club combination with Slater, Cronk and Cameron Smith, the latter of whom pushed for his elevation to the Maroons for Origin III.

Munster doesn’t expect to be Australia’s first-choice pivot at the World Cup, but would relish the prospect of playing a Mr Fixit role in the extended squad.

“It would mean the world to represent my country,” he said.

“It’s one thing to play Origin but to wear the green-and-gold jumper would be the ultimate.

“If I get picked in the side, so be it. I won’t get my hopes up too much. Michael Morgan and ‘Jimmy’ Maloney are pushing for the five-eighth spot, but if I can get in there somewhere in the squad, I wouldn’t let the jumper down.”

Cronk has given the strongest indication he could announce his retirement, potentially before the Rugby League World Cup kicks-off this month.

While adamant Sunday night’s NRL grand final triumph won’t factor into the decision, Cronk, 33, said he plans to work through his options.

“I said during the week it won’t but I’m not silly,” Cronk said. “I’m somebody that works through and comes up with what the alternatives are.

“I was just really focused on the football and what I had to do to help this team achieve the ultimate glory, when all the dust settles, when I come back down to earth, we’ll work through all that.”

A lucrative career in the media awaits Cronk whenever he decides to hang up the boots, while Storm has already locked in the decorated halfback for a part-time coaching job. Cronk will complete his move to Sydney this month.