Keary in pivotal Test
Absent Munster opens door to consolidate meteoric rise
AUSTRALIAN debutant Luke Keary knows he has a fight on his hands if he wants to cement his spot in the Kangaroos line-up ahead of Cameron Munster.
The Roosters’ grand final hero was still stunned yesterday after receiving a late callup from Australia coach Mal Meninga to join the Kangaroos squad for its two-Test tour of New Zealand.
He said he had no idea he had been on Meninga’s radar for the past year but his dreams will now become a reality when he dons the green and gold for the first time on Saturday, against the Kiwis.
The Ipswich product won his place after the withdrawal of Melbourne Storm playmaker Munster for “personal reasons”.
The two faced off in the NRL grand final last month and Clive Churchill medallist Keary walked away the victor, but Munster’s experience earnt him the Australian nod.
Keary, 26, is ready to make his mark on Saturday but knows he faces an uphill battle if he is to take Munster’s place further down the track.
“There’s a couple of boys there, obviously Cam, but all I can do is play the best footy I can this weekend and see what happens,” Keary said of the battle for the Australian No.6 jersey.
“It’s the pinnacle of our game to get here. But it’s not about getting here, it’s about what you do when you get here. It’s a different arena, different footy, but I thought I strung together a few good games at the end of the year.
“I feel like I understand my game a lot better now. I know what I’ve got to do. I’ve always dreamt of playing in an arena like this. I can’t wait to actually play.”
Keary said he was just on the sofa at home when Meninga called with the good news on Sunday.
He will partner Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves against New Zealand on Saturday and is expected to back up the next week against Tonga.
His Australian debut will cap a significant rise for Keary this season but he said he still could not put a finger on why he had improved, other than just hard work.
“I just tried to work hard in all areas,” he said. “I’m pumped to be here … it took a while to sink in. I probably won’t look back on this for a few months. It’s all happening real quick.
‘‘After what happened last Sunday (winning the grand final), to celebrate with your mates and then to get this call seven days later.
“It’s not the greatest situation to get called in like this (with Munster out) but it’s exciting for me … we still have (Munster) in our thoughts.”