Mal Meninga welcomes the pressure on him as Kangaroos coach to deliver World Cup success while knowing that rival countries, especially the Pacific nations, are “coming to get us”.
Meninga unveiled his 24-man squad on Monday, which features new skipper James Tedesco. As expected, there was no room for either Clive Churchill Medallist Dylan Edwards or Dally M winner Nicho Hynes.
When it came to Edwards, Meninga pointed out his best player – Tedesco – played fullback, and there were plenty of backup No. 1 options in the squad with Latrell Mitchell, Valentine Holmes and Cameron Munster.
The last Test Australia played was a loss to Tonga at the end of 2019, and anything less than a Cup victory will put pressure on Meninga.
“But it’s good pressure, not bad pressure,” Meninga told the Herald.
“It doesn’t worry me [talk about my future]. I learned a long time ago not to worry about things too much.
Kangaroos coach Mal MeningaCredit:Getty Images
“I handle pressure pretty well. We have a strong footy team, strong leadership. I’m really happy with the staff – I have a mature and experienced staff – so we’ll be fine.
“Like anything, the objective is to win it. We’ll work hard to achieve that. The only pressure I’ll be under will be my own pressure.”
Meninga said the rise of Samoa and Tonga, as well as the Kiwis who boast a formidable forward pack and spine, was good for the international game, but you only had to look at the star power that missed the cut for Australia to appreciate how good the Cup favourites are.
“There’s always this expectation you put the green and gold jersey on and you automatically win a tournament,” Meninga said.
“But the international space has matured the last few years, and other teams are coming to get us.
“New Zealand have a tremendous squad. It’s exciting, it’s exciting for the international game … but we’re not going over to lose, we’re going to win.”
Meninga cherishes his role and if all goes to plan will coach through to the 2025 World Cup in France, the country where he played his last Test.
“I also spent ten years with the Queensland team, and I’d love to spend ten years with the Aussie team,” he said.
“We haven’t played for three years, but that’s what I’d love to do.”
Meninga remained non-committal about Nathan Cleary being the starting No. 7 ahead of Daly Cherry-Evans. He is prepared to give both players their chance to shine at halfback during the pool games. Cherry-Evans spent time at five-eighth on the left side of the field during the Prime Minister’s XIII game.
“Everyone has to go there with the view they are a chance of playing at the back end of the tournament,” Meninga said.
“Internal pressure is good, it’s healthy, and every player will get the opportunity to do their best and be rewarded for it.”
Meninga said Cleary was excellent, but any talk about him being the best player in the game had to be shared with Tedesco.
Ben Hunt and Harry Grant will share the dummy-half duties, with NSW pair Api Koroisau and Damien Cook left out. Cook was one of three standby players named along with Hynes and Edwards who will be required to stay in shape back home should there be any dramas abroad.
Meninga added Reuben Cotter was another No. 9 option if needed.
As for putting the red pen through Edwards for the final squad, Meninga said: “He’s had an exceptional year. It’s a difficult situation when you can only pick 24 players. Our best player is a fullback. We had several conversations about this, and unfortunately in this instance, Dylan misses out.”
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