Kangaroos Head Coach Mal Meninga has named both Daly Cherry-Evans and Nathan Cleary in Australia’s 19-man squad for the World Cup quarter final against Lebanon.
However, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, Cleary is expected to receive the starting nod as Cherry-Evans played a number of utility roles in the training session while the Panthers star was heavily involved as first-receiver.
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With the opportunity to have three of the most creative players in the team on the pitch, it could spell danger for Lebanon as Meninga expects a “strong and creative performance” from them.
“All 24 players have been outstanding so far this tournament,” Meninga said.
“It is extremely difficult to leave any player out.
“We have reached the knockout stages of the tournament and we need to ensure we have consistency in the squad and in the positions.
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“Lebanon are a very good side and we expect a strong and creative performance from them.”
Ben Hunt, Matt Burton, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Jeremiah Nanai and Murray Taulagi are the absentees from the squad.
Hunt gets a break having played in all of the Kangaroos’ group games, including an 80-minute effort against Italy, while Campbell-Gillard is absent after suffering a corked thigh against the Italians.
FULL SQUAD
9. Josh Addo-Carr
13. Pat Carrigan
2. Daly Cherry-Evans
14. Nathan Cleary
15. Lindsay Collins
16. Reuben Cotter
17. Angus Crichton
18. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
19. Campbell Graham
20. Harry Grant
4. Valentine Holmes
21. Liam Martin
8. Latrell Mitchell
7. Cameron Munster
11. Cameron Murray (vc)
1. James Tedesco (c)
5. Jake Trbojevic
10. Jack Wighton
24. Isaah Yeo (vc)
