Rugby league legend Greg Alexander labelled the looming Australia and New Zealand semi final the “biggest game of the World Cup” and named his No.7 for the finals series.
Australia are the reigning champions and flexed their muscles with an 84-0 win over Scotland, while the Kiwis most recently hammered newcomers Jamaica 68-6.
The structure of the World Cup’s finals series will likely see the Kangaroos face Lebanon in the quarterfinals and New Zealand tackle Fiji.
Watch every match of the Rugby League World Cup LIVE & Exclusive to Fox Sports, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
If both Michael Maguire and Mal Meninga’s teams progress they will meet one game before the grand final, while England is set to face either Tonga or Samoa in the other sudden-death clash.
“New Zealand and Australia are the best two sides, but they meet in the semi-finals so that’s a final for both sides,” Alexander said to SEN.
“As to who wins and goes through to the final, that’s the biggest game of the World Cup.”
Meninga has used both Nathan Cleary and Daly Cherry-Evans at halfback so far in the tournament.
Cleary masterminded a huge Panthers premiership victory and in the process the Penrith club became the first to ever win all four grades — the NRL, NSW Cup, Jersey Flegg and SG Ball.
Meanwhile, Cherry-Evans was a crucial figure in the Maroons’ series victory, besting Cleary on that occasion.
The Kangaroos last game prior to this World Cup was in 2019 and Alexander believes Cleary’s resume should see him play at halfback in the finals.
“I think Cleary is the number one option … after what he’s done, I think Nathan Cleary deserves to be the number seven on the back of his form for the last two years,” Alexander said.
‘He grabbed my balls!’ | 00:38
MORE NRL NEWS
TRANSFERS GRADED: Stars who made a mockery of critics… and the big four fails
‘BEST NO TRY EVER’: Tonga flyer’s stunning effort denied as ‘brave’ Wales go down
DREAM TEAM: Flanagan set to join Seibold’s Manly pending release as clause revealed
TRANSFER CENTRE: Panthers sign Broncos forward and former Bulldogs halfback
“We haven’t played international football since 2019. Since 2019, Cleary’s gone to a Grand Final, won two Grand Finals, won an Origin series – didn’t win this year’s Origin series, but that didn’t mean he played poorly.
“Queensland beat New South Wales in the decider by six points or eight points, so it was a tight series.
“Cleary was fantastic in Game II, so an incumbency really doesn’t mean much because it’s that long ago; it’s three years ago.”
One argument against Cleary’s selection in Cherry-Evans combination with fellow Queenslander Cameron Munster in the halves.
Cleary and Munster delivered against Scotland and Alexander urged Meninga to pick his best players for crunch matches.
“I think if you’re going to pick your best players, and that’s what you pick for Australia … I know there’s been a lot of talk about combinations, but I think Cleary’s a good enough player,” Alexander said.
“Even though the game against Scotland … I don’t think you learn much when a side wins by 80, I think Mal’s just got to go with his best players.
“At the moment, Cleary’s one of the best players in the comp, doesn’t matter what position he plays, that’s across the board.”
