'Who plays for whom': Mal seeks clarity before Roos' training squad is named
Kangaroo coach Mal Meninga is preparing to select the World Cup training squad and wants the doubles players who are eligible to state which country they will play for.
Meninga recently inspected accommodation and training facilities for Kangaroo, Jillaroo and Wheelaroo while in England to help promote the World Cup, and he said planning for the three Australian teams was progressing.
However, there is uncertainty surrounding the availability of some of the players Meninga is considering as they also qualify for other countries – in particular, Samoa, Tonga and Fiji.
Sydney Roosters forward Victor Radley’s decision to align himself with England surprised most in the game, including Meninga, who considered him for the World Cup after he starred in Junior Kangaroo in 2019.
NSW wingers Brian To’o (Samoa) and Daniel Tupou (Tonga) and exchange utility Siosifa Talakei (Tonga) have also ruled themselves out of selection for Kangaroo Gallagher.
To’o Panthers and Blues teammates Jarome Luai and Stephen Crichton are expected to vote for Samoa, along with Maroons supporter Josh Papali’i.
Fellow Queensland forwards Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Jeremiah Nanai also qualified for Samoa and the trio posed for photos with the Samoan flag following last Wednesday night’s Origin determination at Suncorp Stadium.
Fa’asuamaleaui has indicated he will play for Australia if selected, while Nanai, who was born in New Zealand to Samoan parents, has previously rejected an approach from the Kiwis.
The 19-year-old moved to North Queensland before his 13th birthday making him eligible to play State of Origin but he could still represent the game for Samoa at the World Cup and continue to play for the Maroons.
With Meninga planning to start adding players to the training squad as soon as their NRL commitments are complete, he wants to know as soon as possible if any are not available for Kangaroo selection.
“International play is built on passion, so if the players are excited to represent their heritage, I think that’s great,” Meninga said.
“I just think we just need to know now who they want to play for because it improves everyone’s preparation. You just don’t show up in England and start training then.
“I would choose to coach in the squad, obviously, at the end of our season for the players whose teams are out of the final.
“From a national coach’s point of view, I want the players who come into the neighborhood to be excited about wearing the green and gold jersey and doing their best for the country.”
Kangaroos haven’t played a Test since their 16-12 loss to Tonga at the end of the 2019 season due to COVID, so gathering the squad as early as possible will be crucial for Australia’s World Cup defence.
Manly and Queensland centre-back Daly Cherry-Evans is likely to be the only player to tour England after becoming a member of the 2013 World Cup squad.
“Behind the scenes we are pretty well organised. It’s just about who will play for whom. Once you know that you can put more details into it,” Meninga said.
“I know that other countries are actively pursuing players, but my beliefs are different. I don’t want to force players to play for Australia. That’s not how it should be, I think.”
Kangaroos will be based in Manchester during the tournament, which starts on 15 October and concludes with the Men’s and Women’s final at Old Trafford on 19 November.
Australia play Fiji at Headingley on the opening day of the World Cup, which will kick off with England hosting Samoa at St James Park. The winner of that match is on course to play Tonga in the semi-finals
“At the moment it’s all speculation but if true that Jarome Luai and Stephen Crichton and Brian To’o, Izack Tago and Mays [Taylan and Tyrone]everyone will play for Samoa, they will make a fantastic foot team,” said Meninga.
Kangaroo’s other pool games are against Scotland and Italy, which Australia captain James Tedesco is likely to play at the 2017 World Cup.
It is expected that Kangaroos will face the Kiwis in the semi-finals at Elland Road, Leeds, with Tonga, Samoa and England on the other side of the draw.
Jillaroos face New Zealand, Cook Islands and France in their pool games, which kick off on November 2, while Wheelaroo play England, Ireland and Spain.
The Wheelchair World Cup final will be held in Manchester on Friday, 18 November – the day before the Men’s and Women’s decider at Old Trafford.
“It’s important for us to provide a very good environment for the players,” Meninga said.
“We want to be successful and win the tournament but at the same time we want the players to enjoy the holistic experience you have on tour, which is one of the strengths of rugby league.
“Being in England for a long time is a real experience and I would suggest to you that most of the players who will be playing in the World Cup will not have the chance to see what rugby league is like in the north of England. .
“My trip was very fruitful around the place where we practiced; it allows us to see the training ground and improve it. Manchester City Borough would like to update some of their facilities so we can prepare ourselves as best we can.
“We also went to see the Wheelchair and Women’s facilities as well. Jillaroos is in York, which is fantastic. The Wheelaroo facilities are also fantastic.
“They were based in London until the final, which was in Manchester the night before the men’s and women’s final. If the Aussies succeed, we will go there and support them.”
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