Blues to fore in Kangaroos test squad
SYDNEY: Queensland’s struggles have been reflected in Australia’s endofyear test squad after just four Maroons were among the 19 players picked by coach Mal Meninga yesterday.
The dominant force within the Australian team just two years ago, their presence in the green and gold has shrunk to its most modest in 13 years.
After winning their second consecutive State of Origin series this year, six Blues are in line for potential debuts including Canberra grand final stars Jack Wighton and Nick Cotric.
Winger Josh AddoCarr, young gun Payne Haas, St George Illawarra prop Paul Vaughan and the versatile Cameron Murray are the others.
There are also seven players from Sunday night’s grand final: Boyd Cordner, Luke Keary, Latrell Mitchell and James Tedesco from the triumphant Sydney Roosters and Cotric, Wighton and Josh Papalii from Canberra.
The selections of Daly CherryEvans, Cameron Munster, Dane Gagai and Papalii make for the smallest Maroons contingent in the side since the Anzac test of 2006.
‘‘It’s about picking the best players. ‘That’s what the national squad is all about,’’ Meninga said after yesterday extending his tenure as Kangaroos coach until the end of 2021.
The new twoyear contract means Meninga remains in charge of the national team through next year’s Kangaroos tour of England and the World Cup there in 2021.
‘‘Yes, Origin has an impact on that but also club form and premierships and winning grand finals and loyalty,’’ he said.
‘‘There are a whole heap of factors that go to picking a Kangaroos side.’’
It comes just three years after Queensland’s representation hit its peak, with 12 Maroons in the Kangaroos’ midseason side of 2016.
With Cordner again captain, the Kangaroos face the Kiwis on October 25 in Wollongong before taking on Tonga at Auckland’s Eden Park on November 2.
Meninga also has wider vision for the game, after pushing for more tests against Pacific nations last year.
France will arrive in
Australia for the Nines this month as well as a match against Australia’s under23 side, and Meninga wants futher development of teams in Europe.
‘‘Hopefully, France [improve too],’’ Meninga said.
‘‘They need to test themselves against better opposition.
‘‘I would like to see Ireland, Scotland and Wales and those teams have more games on an international stage as well.
‘Meninga has now coached Australia in 15 matches, a loss to New Zealand last year his only setback despite the change within the squad. — AAP