LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga has confirmed that Daly Cherry-Evans will be included in the squad for the end-of-year Tests, despite the strong competition from Nathan Cleary for the halfback position.
Both Cherry-Evans and Cleary played key roles in the Kangaroos' success at the Rugby League World Cup last year, but Cleary ultimately took the No.7 jersey for the latter stages of the tournament.
Cherry-Evans acknowledged last week that Cleary would likely start as the halfback once again for Australia's upcoming Test matches against Samoa and New Zealand.
However, Meninga has stated that Cherry-Evans is still in contention for selection.
As several NRL teams will see their seasons come to an end this weekend, Meninga will soon begin naming players from those teams to join his 20-man squad.
The Kangaroos are scheduled to face Samoa on October 14 and New Zealand on October 28.
Meninga praised Cherry-Evans, stating that he has had his best year yet and that the coach believes he deserves a spot in the squad.
Meninga also highlighted Cherry-Evans' versatility, noting that he can play at No.6 or No.9, which adds to his value as a potential No.14 in the team.
While Meninga hasn't yet discussed the selection with the other selectors, he assumes that if Cherry-Evans is available, he will be chosen.
The coach believes that both Cherry-Evans and Cleary are the top two halfbacks in the game.