BLUES DESERVE

back-row positions. I have Josh McGuire at lock – he is tough and uncompromising and has been Queensland’s best forward throughout the series.

The bench is as important as the first 13, so I have Hunt, as his versatility is key, if Michael Morgan is unavailable.

But if Cleary does get the No.7, I would have Munster ahead of Hunt. I also have Jake Trbojevic, Jack De Belin and Angus Crighton. The latter has been enormous for NSW off the interchange bench.

This is a side picked on form, but isn’t that what the Australian jersey deserves?

And so Australian coach Mal Meninga faces his biggest challenge as a representative coach. No longer can the Maroons dominate national selection – because the men in blue are in far superior form.

BOUND FOR HONOUR: Nathan Cleary could be playing for a Kangaroos jersey tonight.