The Gold Coast Bulletin

MUNSTER’S WOE GIVES CLEARY A PATH TO GLORY

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THE rapid rise of NRL grand final hero Luke Keary has continued, with the Clive Churchill medallist named in the Australian rugby league squad for the upcoming twoTest tour of New Zealand.

The former Burleigh Bears star replaces Cameron Munster, whose horror month has continued, withdrawin­g from the touring squad for personal reasons.

Keary will now be in contention for the Auckland Tests against New Zealand on Saturday and the October 20 clash with Tonga.

The Roosters five-eighth was originally named as an extra player in the squad as cover for Munster in case he was suspended for kicking Joseph Manu in the back of the head in the Roosters’ 21-6 grand final win against Melbourne. Munster escaped suspension but was fined $1400.

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga said he was disappoint­ed to lose Munster.

“It’s unfortunat­e to lose Cameron for the next two matches but there’s far more important things in life than football sometimes,” Meninga said. “We’ve brought Luke straight into the squad and he fully deserves the opportunit­y after what was a fantastic season.

“He’s delivered on big occasions countless times over the past few years and I’ve got no doubt he’ll deliver again if called upon during the next two weeks.”

Munster has had a chequered history in rep squads – he was sent home from the Kangaroos’ 2017 World Cup campaign amid reports of a training altercatio­n with Ben Hunt.

In 2016, he was blackliste­d from State of Origin for 12 months by Queensland management after breaking curfew during an Emerging Maroons camp.

 ?? Picture: DEAN LEWINS ?? Luke Keary has been named in the Kangaroos squad for the two Tests against the Kiwis and Tonga.
Picture: DEAN LEWINS Luke Keary has been named in the Kangaroos squad for the two Tests against the Kiwis and Tonga.

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