Roosters’ grand final hero Luke Keary next in line for Kangaroos jumper: Mal Meninga

ROOSTERS’ grand final hero Luke Keary is on the cusp of adding the ultimate cherry to his freshly minted Clive Churchill Medal and NRL premiership ring.

Luke Keary lifts the Provan-Summons Trophy. Picture: Getty

LUKE Keary has had the ultimate carrot dangled in front of him after his NRL grand final heroics.

The Sydney Roosters playmaker has been told he’s next in line for an Australian jumper just a day after claiming the Clive Churchill Medal.

Keary was on Monday put on standby for Cameron Munster as the Melbourne No.6 was scrutinised by the match review committee for his grand final brain snap. Munster was eventually charged with contrary conduct for kicking at Joseph Manu’s head during the Roosters’ 21-6 victory at ANZ Stadium on Sunday.

Luke Keary lifts the Provan-Summons Trophy. Picture: Getty

The Queensland five-eighth escaped with a fine meaning he has been cleared to take his spot in the Australian team for this month’s Tests against New Zealand and Tonga.

Had Munster been charged with striking, he could have been rubbed out for the tour, paving the way for Keary to make his representative debut.

“He was very good last night, he was exceptional,” Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga said of Keary.

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“He deserved the Clive Churchill. He hasn’t played rep footy at all this year but he’s on the cusp of doing it.

“He’s played in two grand finals and been a part of two grand final victories. He’s an experienced player.”

Munster will now partner Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves and has a chance to press his chances to keep the jumper long term.

Luke Keary craved up the Storm defence. Picture: Phil Hillyard

However, Keary has been clearly told he’s on the verge of breaking into representative football, despite missing out on NSW selection this year.

With Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston retiring from representative football and James Maloney (neck) and incumbent Michael Morgan (bicep) out through injury, Keary was considered the next in line.

“You don’t know until you’re put in that situation,” Keary said when asked if he could handle an Australian call-up.

Luke Keary enters Easts Club to a hero’s welcome. Picture: TNV

“When you’re a kid you want to be able to play for your state and your country, to ever get that opportunity would be very special.” Keary was immense in leading the Roosters around the park in Sunday’s grand final with halves partner Cronk’s impact limited after he came into the game with a broken shoulder blade.

St George Illawarra playmaker Ben Hunt was included in the Kangaroos’ squad, however, Meninga said he would take on the utility role.

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