LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The dust has settled on the 2024 Pacific Championships, with the Australian Kangaroos emerging victorious over Tonga in a thrilling Final.
However, every nation was missing key players due to injuries or suspensions, leaving fans wondering who would make the Best 17 for Australia.
Under the guidance of coach Mal Meninga, Australia fielded a formidable team, but it was clear that they were not at full strength without stars like Liam Martin, Nathan Cleary, Cameron Munster, Reece Walsh, Kalyn Ponga, Jake Trbojevic, Payne Haas, and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, among others.
The absence of the dynamic halves duo of Cameron Munster and Nathan Cleary was felt keenly, with Cleary a shoo-in for the team and Munster facing stiff competition from Tom Dearden for the No.6 jersey after Dearden's standout performance in the Pacific Championships final.
As the dust settles and the debate rages on, one thing is clear - Australia's Best 17 would be a force to be reckoned with if all players were available and injury-free.