Panthers star Nathan Cleary has conceded that Daly Cherry-Evans deserves to start for the Kangaroos in the year’s World Cup.
The Australian side last played in 2019 and the Sea Eagles halfback took the role from Cooper Cronk following his representative retirement in 2017.
Since 2019 Cleary has arguable been the competition’s best playmaker, recording an Origin series victory and a premiership last season.
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga previously said Cherry-Evans is “the one to beat” and “Cleary is pretty close behind” to The Australian and the Panthers star agreed.
“It is probably fair enough, you know Daly has been there before and he is a great player and from what it looks like he is obviously a good leader too,” Cleary said.
“It is obviously a long way away, I would love the opportunity to play for Australia at some stage but it is not something that’s on my mind at the moment, I just want to get back on the field and play for Penrith and see where that takes me.”
After playing alongside the Panthers’ talisman, five-eighth Jarome Luai believes his partner is one of the best in the game.
“Hard to argue with the Australian coach there but being able to play with him for many years now, I’d definitely say he is one of the best in the game,” Luai said.
“It is a privilege for me to partner up with him and to me he is one of the best player’s in the game in my eyes.
“I guess everyone is different, you know he is the Australian coach as well so he knows what he wants in a side but for me personally, I am really lucky to play alongside someone like him because he makes me better, he makes the team better.
“You know he has won a comp, Origin, so he has done a lot by the age of 24 as well so he is one of the best.”
England will host this year’s edition of the Rugby League World Cup after it was delayed use to Covid-19.
The Kangaroos will take on Fifi in their first game of the tournament at Headingley Stadium on October 15.
Australia are in Group B and will also face Italy and Scotland on their way to the finals.
