Michael Morgan has held off the challenge of Cameron Munster for the five-eighth spot in the Kangaroos’ Rugby League World Cup quarter-final against Samoa.
Coach Mal Meninga also selected Josh McGuire to start at lock while Reagan Campbell-Gillard will fill one of the bench spots.
After rotating his squad through the qualifying games, Meninga promised to select his best 17 available in Darwin for what is a must-win clash.
Munster made a huge push to partner Cooper Cronk against Samoa after scoring two tries in Australia’s final two pool games of the tournament.
However, Meninga stuck with Morgan, who was quiet in their opening win over England but set up two tries in their rout of France before being rested against Lebanon.
McGuire moves into the starting line-up after the season-ending injury to Jake Trbojevic, paving the way for Campell-Gillard to beat Felise Kaufusi for the final bench position.
McGuire’s promotion comes six months after captaining Samoa in a mid-year Test.
The Kangaroos have won both previous Tests against Samoa, with victory on Friday setting up a semi-final clash against either New Zealand or Fiji in Brisbane.
KANGAROOS TEAM: Billy Slater, Dane Gagai, Will Chambers, Josh Dugan, Valentine Holmes, Michael Morgan, Cooper Cronk, Aaron Woods, Cameron Smith (c), David Klemmer, Boyd Cordner, Matt Gillett, Josh McGuire. Interchange: Wade Graham, Jordan McLean, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Tyson Frizell. Extended bench: Felise Kaufusi, Cameron Munster, James Maloney, Ben Hunt.