Partners in crime at NRL level, Daly Cherry-Evans hopes he and Manly halves partner Kieran Foran are on course for a showdown as rivals at the Rugby League World Cup.

Cherry-Evans impressed in his first start for Australia on Saturday and has an added incentive to keep his place in Tim Sheens’ side – a chance to come up against New Zealand playmaker Foran for the first time, possibly in the tournament final.

While it’s unlikely Cherry-Evans would displace first-choice Kangaroos halves Cooper Cronk or Johnathan Thurston, he’s firmly in the mix for a utility spot on the bench in the big games ahead.

The 24-year-old was one of Australia’s best in a 34-2 win over Fiji in St Helens, scoring a try and setting up two others.

Another strong performance against Ireland could make it hard for Sheens to leave him out of his best 17 and raise the likelihood of a showdown with Foran, who has been impressive in the Kiwis’ opening two wins.

“I honestly couldn’t think of anything better than playing against one of my good mates at Manly at Test level,” Cherry-Evans said.

“It’d be a great occasion and the competitive spirit in both of us would definitely be out.

“He (Foran) is going great over there and combining really well with Shaun Johnson.

“They’re going to be a danger but that’s obviously a few weeks away.”

Cherry-Evans and Foran combined to guide the Sea Eagles to the 2011 NRL premiership and last season’s grand final.

The good friends remain in contact from within rival camps at the World Cup and Cherry-Evans predicted plenty of banter if the showdown became a reality.

“To be honest, it’s never been a likely possibility for us to cross paths at Test level so if that scenario does pop up in the next few weeks, then I dare say there’d be a few texts and a few words said out on the pitch,” Cherry-Evans said.

Cherry-Evans could get a second successive start if Sheens opts to rest Thurston against Ireland in Limerick on Saturday.

However the coach may prefer to start the match with his first-choice halves and inject Cherry-Evans off the bench.

“I’d love to get a start next week but if Tim believes the best thing for this side is for me not to be a part of it then so be it,” Cherry-Evans said.