Munster poised to sit out Kangaroos’ RLWC clash with Italy

Kangaroo stars Nathan Cleary and Daly Cherry-Evans will alternate between five-eighth and halfback in Australia’s final Rugby League World Cup Group B hit-out against Italy at St Helen’s on Saturday (Sunday 5:30am AEDT).

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga is keen to give Melbourne Storm playmaker Cameron Munster the game off and is likely to rest players who – like Munster, fullback James Tedesco, and flying winger Josh Addo-Carr – have already played two games on tour, a week off before the knockout round.

Speaking from the magnificent Lake District in the north of England, Meninga told SEN sports presenter Ben Davis that he favoured pairing Cleary and Cherry-Evans in the halves and rotating them during the game.

He said he’d leave the final decision up to Munster whether he backed up again but personally he would like him to take a break.

“I’d like him to take a rest but I’m not going to tell him he can’t play,” said Meninga.

“I’ll leave that up to him to decide.

“Most of the guys who have played two games already will probably get a rest.

“Daly Cherry-Evans and Nathan Clear will play in the halves.

“We’ll swamp them around all game and see how they go.”

While Meninga is keen to see how they go together, Munster will be the starting No.6 in the knockout games.

Whichever specialist halfback doesn’t get picked will most likely come off the bench.

Meninga, who has picked many Kangaroo sides in the past, admitted he was losing some sleep over the tough selection decisions ahead of him.

“I am because they are very important,” he said.

“It’s important to me because I know somebody is going to be disappointed.

“I want to try and minimise that disappointment as much as I can.

“Telling a player they are going to get picked in the team at the back end of the tournament is exciting for them, so it’s a tough decision who you leave out.

“They’re all playing well and they’re all good people and it’s disappointing some players are going to miss out.

“That’s why we have rotated the players and given them all a chance because they’re all great players and they can all play the game.

“The important thing is to get the balance right.”

At this stage it’s looking like Australia will play Lebanon, if they beat Jamaica in their final pool game, in the quarter-finals.

Meninga has given his playing squad a few days off after their landslide 15-try win over Scotland, and the players all headed to Edinburgh for some relaxation which may include some golf.

“They guys have all bonded incredibly well and it’s a terrific squad of players,” said Meninga, who went on four Kangaroo tours as a player.

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