In an era not too long ago, the Australian No.9 jersey was a foregone conclusion. Cameron Smith was the man for the job and there was no challenging the status quo.
Even in the immediate aftermath of Smithโs departure, Damien Cookโs almost unplayable form made him a straightforward option.
But now Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga faces a different kind of dilemma than trying to work out how to replace the worldโs best player โ trying to decide which one of the gameโs five elite No.9โs deserves to wear the jumper at the upcoming World Cup.
As well as Cook, who has been excellent during South Sydneyโs late-season resurgence, Meninga also has Maroons rake Ben Hunt, Melbourneโs Harry Grant, Penrithโs veteran Api Koroisau and standout Cowboys youngster Reece Robson all putting their hands up to fill the two spots Meninga is likely to allocate to dummy-halves.
โItโs going to be difficult (choosing),โ Meninga told SEN.
โHooker is such an important position in your footy team.
โThey touch the ball the most of anyone. Theyโre the ones who make most of the decisions as to which way the ball goes.โ
Meninga confirmed players would be selected on form at all levels, which is handy for Robson, who missed out on Origin selection, as well as Hunt, who has ultimately been unable to improve the Dragonsโ standing despite some incredible solo efforts.
โI work on it every day, what that 24 might look like. It changes most weeks,โ Meninga admitted.
โRobson has had a great year, all year heโs been fantastic. Ben Hunt was so good starting for Queensland
โYou want a hooker who can bring the forwards onto the football, the subtleties around the (position) become really critical.
โDefensively, youโve got to be sound because youโre a target.
โBut you also want a running nine, thatโs where Queensland got it right with Ben Hunt and Harry Grant interchanging.
โAnd if you can kick the ball, it allows on-field chase from your team that isnโt expected.
โEvery one of those five guys can do that.โ
Meninga said that versatility was also a handy attribute, with players who can fill multiple roles being beneficial in tournaments when injuries can take hold.
โGiving players time in different positions works a trick, because when you get into the finals youโve got players who have played good game time.
โYou can trust them to play a number of positions if you get injuries.โ
Meninga is expected to name his tournament for the side in coming weeks.
