WINNERS AND LOSERS OF KANGAROOS WORLD CUP SQUAD
WINNERS
MELBOURNE STORM – Seven members from their premiership-winning team, including Kangaroos rookies Felise Kaufusi, Cameron Munster and Jordan McLean. Veteran Billy Slater also earned a recall three years after his most recent appearance in the green-and-gold, completing his fairytale comeback from twin shoulder surgeries.
ITALY – Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga rightfully pointed out that James Tedesco has yet to wear the jumper, but the NSW State of Origin’s fullback’s hat trick for the Prime Minister’s XIII two weeks ago meant he was a shock omission. But that only bodes well for the Azzurri, who included Tedesco and Paul Vaughan in an extended squad lacking genuine strike.
FIJI – There was growing speculation Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Apisai Koroisau were going to be bolters in Meninga’s 24-man squad off the back of strong NRL seasons. However their exclusions will only add more firepower to a Bati side that expected to top United States and Italy in Group D. Throw in the enigmatic Jarryd Hayne and you’ll have quite the squad.
LOSERS
BLAKE FERGUSON – Joins Sam Thaiday as the only two notable absentees from Australia’s last Test against New Zealand in May. His selection was always going to be clouded following the fallout from the Blues’ State of Origin defeat this season, however Meninga insists Ferguson’s axing was purely based on form and not behaviour.
NSW BLUES – The Blues’ heavy series defeat meant Queensland were always going to dominate the squad, but the likes of James Tedesco, Josh Jackson and Blake Ferguson could consider themselves unlucky to not be among the best 24 players from Australia. For the record, there are 13 Maroons to 11 New South Welshmen.
TONGA – Felise Kaufusi’s surprise inclusion in the Kangaroos squad, together with Andrew Fifita’s selection, robs Tonga of some real punch in their forward pack. The pair were named to play in Tonga’s Test win against Fiji earlier this year but only Kaufusi played in a squad that has some significant injury concerns leading into their opener.
