Luke Keary wins Clive Churchill Medal after inspiring Roosters’ grand final triumph

ALL eyes were on Cooper Cronk but it was the boy from Ipswich who collected the Clive Churchill Medal and burst into conention for a Kangaroos Test jersey.

Luke Keary was superb for the Roosters in the 2018 NRL grand final. Picture: AAP

LUKE Keary has burst into contention for a Kangaroos jersey after Queensland’s lost playmaker collected the Clive Churchill Medal in the Roosters’ 21-6 grand final bashing of Melbourne.

Keary proved he is ready to take over from Cooper Cronk as the chief of the Roosters after piloting the boys from Bondi to their second NRL premiership in six years.

With Cronk carrying a serious shoulder injury into the game, later revealed to be a fractured scapula (shoulder blade), Keary was entrusted by coach Trent Robinson to become the Roosters’ general.

And the boy from Ipswich did it to perfection at ANZ Stadium on the way to collecting his second NRL premiership ring after starring in South Sydney’s 2014 triumph.

Keary’s rise to the elite echelon of NRL playmakers comes nearly three years after he famously stood up to Hollywood star Russell Crowe.

Luke Keary was superb for the Roosters in the 2018 NRL grand final. Picture: AAP

Keary fell out with the powerful Rabbitohs owner after becoming incensed by Crowe’s berating of South Sydney players during a pre-season bonding camp in 2015.

Keary, 26, was forced out of Redfern after the 2016 season and joined nearby rivals the Roosters.

What a signing he turned out to be.

Keary has long been one of the NRL’s most underrated playmakers, but he now owns a slice of history after being crowned man-of-the-match on the biggest stage.

Keary was sublime as he stepped up to cover for the extremely limited Cronk.

He floated from his traditional left side of the field to the right, conjuring crucial plays and kicks as Cronk watched closely barking orders.

It was Keary’s superb pass in the eighth minute which put winger Daniel Tupou over for the first try of the game and it was his field goal in the 69th minute which iced the victory.

Luke Keary and Daniel Tupou celebrate after combining for the Roosters’ opening try. Picture: Getty Images

Keary has unfortunately been caught up in State of Origin’s murky eligibility rules which have prevented him from representing Queensland despite his Maroon blood.

Born and raised in Ipswich, Keary moved to Sydney as a 10-year-old before returning to Queensland nine years later with the Burleigh Bears where he was spotted by the Rabbitohs.

His initial reluctance to play for the Blues means he may never be picked for NSW, but that should not prevent him from wearing the green and gold of Australia.

Luke Keary and Boyd Cordner celebrate with the trophy after the Roosters’ grand final triumph. Picture: AAP

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga will today name his 19-man squad for the upcoming Tests against New Zealand and Tonga.

Melbourne’s Cameron Munster was the raging favourite to inherit Johnathan Thurston’s No. 6 jersey, but he was sin-binned twice last night in a forgettable performance.

Keary’s name must at least be discussed at the selection table this morning after his coming of age.