Five-eighth Luke Keary cleared for Australia’s clash with Tonga
LUKE Keary will get a chance to chance to brush aside his unfortunate Test debut after being cleared to take his place in the Australian side.
NRL
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LUKE Keary will get a chance to chance to brush aside his unfortunate Test debut after being cleared to take his place in the Australian side.
Keary’s Test dream was shattered after just 13 minutes when he was forced to come from the field with a head knock.
But Keary, who had been on minimal contact throughout the week, will be free to play to play Tonga on Saturday night.
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga described Keary as a “special” player.
“He is fit and healthy,” Meninga said.
“He came through the week really well. He is looking forward to playing which is fantastic for the team.
“He is disappointed he didn’t finish the game last week. He has been all about being fit and healthy. At training he has been terrific. He is a great leader.
“I’m really confident with him in the football team. He will make a solid contribution for us.”
Keary’s absence halted Australia’s momentum after the left edge of Roosters teammates Keary, Boyd Cordner and Latrell Mitchell looked menacing in the opening stages against the Kiwis.
The trio along with Roosters fullback James Tedesco combined to set up Australia’s first try for Valentine Holmes last week.
Cordner said Keary was in good spirits.
“He is an unreal player,” Cordner said.
“He has proven that all year. Any game you lose your half it hurts, especially early on.
“He is a dynamic player and has been picked in this Australian team for a reason. He showed that in the short time he played against New Zealand.
“We will be very glad to have him back.”
Meanwhile, Tongan skipper Sika Manu, who said his team could beat Australia in the middle of the field, revealed he watches YouTube highlights of teammates Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita to help with his pre-game preparation.
“Just to get a bit of motivation to get me up for my club games,” said Manu, who plays for Hull FC.
“I like to watch Jason and Andrew running the ball and doing some damage in the NRL. Mostly the bump-offs. They are the most dominant attackers in the NRL.”
MATE MA’A TONGA V AUSTRALIA
5.45pm AEDT Saturday at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
Tonga:
1. Will Hopoate, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Michael Jennings, 4. Solomone Kata, 5. David Fusitu’a, 6. Tuimoala Lolohea, 7. Ata Hingano, 8. Andrew Fifita, 9. Siliva Havili, 10. Sio Siua Taukaiaho, 11. Tevita Pangai Jr, 12. Sika Manu, 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 14. Sione Katoa, 15. Addin Fonua-Blake, 16. Joe Ofahengaue, 17. Peni Terepo
Reserves: 18. Konrad Hurrell, 19. Leivaha Pulu, 20. Robert Jennings, 21 Ben Murdoch-Masila
Australia:
1. James Tedesco, 2. Dane Gagai, 3. Latrell Mitchell, 4. Tom Trbojevic, 5. Valentine Holmes, 6. Luke Keary, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Boyd Cordner (C), 12. Felise Kaufusi, 13. Josh McGuire. Interchange: 14. Ben Hunt, 15. Jake Trbojevic, 16. Tyson Frizell, 17 Aaron Woods. Reserves: 18. Tyrone Peachey, 19. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
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