Panthers star Nathan Cleary is set to win the race for the Kangaroos’ halfback role for this weekend’s World Cup quarter-final ahead of pre-pandemic incumbent Daly Cherry-Evans. 

Mal Meninga has still not yet officially made what he has described as the toughest selection call of his coaching career after naming a 19-man squad in alphabetical order for the clash with Lebanon at Huddersfield.

However, Cleary is all but certain to run out as the team’s chief playmaker for the knockout stages of the tournament. 

Cleary shaded his more-experienced counterpart when they were given equal chances to stake their claims during Australia’s three comfortable pool match victories over Fiji, Scotland and Lebanon. 

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DCE, who went into this tournament as the incumbent halfback after holding the role in their most recent Test in 2019 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, could remain in the team on the interchange for the quarter-final against Lebanon after Meninga gave Ben Hunt the weekend off. 

(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Hunt played the full 80 minutes at hooker on a sandy playing surface in the 66-6 triumph over Italy so Meninga is resting him to ensure he’s fresh for next weekend’s expected semi-final showdown with New Zealand. 

Harry Grant will start at hooker in Hunt’s absence with Cherry-Evans an option to slot in at dummy-half if the Storm rake is injured or needs a breather against the Cedars. 

Veteran prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard has been ruled out this weekend due to a corked thigh suffered against the Italians but should be right for the semis. 

Jack Wighton looks to have the edge with Valentine Holmes over Campbell Graham to be the centre-wing duo on the right edge with Indigenous All Stars duo Latrell Mitchell and Josh Addo-Carr locked in on the left.

(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images for RLWC)

Graham has been impressive in his first two Tests, receiving the players’ player award for his two-try performance against Italy. 

Angus Crichton, Liam Martin and Cameron Murray are also in a three into two battle for the starting second-rower spots. 

Martin was replaced midway through the second half last weekend with a tight calf muscle but he’s been cleared to play. 

Patrick Carrigan, Jake Trbojevic, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Lindsay Collins are the likely front-row rotation with Reuben Cotter also in the mix.

One of them will miss out this weekend when the 19-man squad is cut to 17 on game day and another will likely make way next week when RCG is available. 

“All 24 players have been outstanding so far in the tournament,” said Meninga. “It is extremely difficult to leave any player out.

“We have reached the knockout stages of the tournament and we need to ensure we have consistency in the squad and in the positions.

“Lebanon are a very good side and we expect a strong and creative performance from them.”

Rookie trio Matt Burton, Jeremiah Nanai and Murray Taulagi are the squad members who will join RCG and Hunt on the sidelines. 

Kangaroos team to face Lebanon on Friday night (Saturday 5.30am AEDT)

1 James Tedesco (c)
9 Josh Addo-Carr
13 Patrick Carrigan
2 Daly Cherry-Evans
14 Nathan Cleary
15 Lindsay Collins
17 Angus Crichton
18 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
19 Campbell Graham
20 Harry Grant
4 Valentine Holmes
21 Liam Martin
8 Latrell Mitchell
7 Cameron Munster
11 Cameron Murray
16 Reuben Cotter
5 Jake Trbojevic
10 Jack Wighton
24 Isaah Yeo

Rested: 3 Ben Hunt 6 Reagan Campbell-Gillard 12 Matt Burton 22 Jeremiah Nanai 23 Murray Taulagi