AUSSIE STARS WHO DESERVE TO MAKE KANGAROOS TEAM

There’s no international footy again this year, but we can still honour what could have been the stars chosen to pull on a Kangaroos jumper. Here are our picks for 2021.

Tom Trbojevic (fullback)

The hardest call to make on this team is to overlook incumbent No.1 James Tedesco, but Trbojevic had a season for the ages.

Reuben Garrick (winger)

If Mal Meninga could convince Brian To’o to represent Australia he’d get a wing spot, but failing that, Garrick deserves a run after his point-scoring exploits this season.

Matt Burton (centre)

The 2021 Dally M Centre of the Year enjoyed a meteoric rise this season. After helping the Panthers to the premiership, he deserves a Kangaroos jersey.

Dane Gagai (centre)

The South Sydney centre may have been overshadowed by some of the Rabbitohs teammates this season, but he's arguably never had a more consistent year.

Josh Addo-Carr (winger)

Alex Johnston deserves serious consideration, but Addo-Carr had a great year and is one of the game’s most lethal finishers.

Cody Walker (five-eighth)

It ended cruelly, but Walker’s season was memorable. The Bunnies star led the competition in try assists and linebreak assists to propel Souths to the grand final.

Nathan Cleary (halfback)

The Panthers No.7 has a shoulder injury, but given his Clive Churchill-winning match in the grand final, we’ll deem him fit to play.

Daniel Saifiti (prop)

The Knights co-captain has established himself as one of the best and most consistent props in the game, yet he still somehow seems to slip under the radar.

Damien Cook (hooker)

The Bunnies dummy half is tried and tested. Although he didn’t have his most dominant season, Cook still delivered for his team and NSW when it mattered.

Christian Welch (prop)

Payne Haas would deserve a starting spot if not for his injured ankle, but with him out, Welch can more than fill the role after another great season.

Cam Murray (backrow)

Murray normally plays lock but we’ll leave that spot free for someone else. The Bunnies star is more than capable of starting on an edge and excelling.

Angus Crichton (backrow)

David Fifita and Kurt Capewell deserve consideration, but for sheer consistency on both sides of the ball it’s hard to go past Roosters star Angus Crichton.

Isaah Yeo (lock)

The star lock was instrumental in Penrith’s success this year. He can tackle, he can ball-play and he’s also the type of character you want representing Australia.

Words: Darcie McDonald Producer: Andrew Piva Learn more