Corey Parker: Nathan Cleary had to be Kangaroos halfback but naysayers are just wrong about DCE

But everyone’s time comes to an end. With someone like Nathan Cleary, you have to pick him. He just cannot be left out. Cleary’s form has demanded the Kangaroos halfback position at this World Cup, rather than a decline from DCE.

You then can’t carry Daly on the bench, moving forward, given how effective Ben Hunt and Harry Grant are as rotating hookers. I don’t see DCE playing again in the tournament after Hunt returns from taking a rest for the quarter-final against Lebanon.

It’s unfortunate for Daly, but Cleary is by far the pick of the bunch when it comes to current halfbacks. And moving forward, he could be the Kangaroos halfback for the next decade, at just 24 years of age. It’s a great opportunity for both him and Australia.

Daly and I debuted in the same Test, if memory serves, back in 2011. In terms of skillset, outside of Nathan Cleary, he’s still right at the top of the tree. He’s still the captain of Queensland and still deserved his spot in this World Cup squad.

He’s had a wonderful career. No one can say otherwise, though some try. And he’s a wonderful person.

He’s a cleanskin. There’s just that one little mark on his career, the contract saga that unfolded with the Titans in 2015, but he was well and truly within his rights to do what he did.

Trust me, he’s one of the good ones. I have never understood how or why this constant sniping about his character began.

I played with him for both Queensland and Australia, and it never crossed my mind as to why anyone would have a problem with him. He’s captained the Sea Eagles and the Maroons, and been vice-captain of the Kangaroos … he can’t be going too badly as a bloke! Yet that external noise was always around.

He’s done pretty much everything in the game. NRL premiership winner. Clive Churchill Medallist. Dally M Halfback of the Year. Winning State of Origin skipper. World Cup winner in 2013. And now, likely part of another World Cup-winning Kangaroos squad.

Forget the naysayers. History will be kind to DCE’s career, and it will be exciting to see what unfolds for Cleary as the new general of the Australian side.

*****

This was my first-choice Kangaroos line-up heading into the World Cup.

1. James Tedesco © 2. Josh Addo-Carr 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Cameron Munster 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Ben Hunt 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. Angus Crichton 12. Cameron Murray 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Harry Grant 15. Reuben Cotter 16. Patrick Carrigan 17. Jake Trbojevic

That’s looking pretty close to the side that will carry Australia through the final games of the tournament and one I’m confident can lift the trophy; though Campbell-Gillard will also miss the quarter-final, with a corked thigh.

While no one is absolutely playing out of their skin, everyone is doing their job. When that happens in the Australian team, where it’s the best of the best, usually that’s all it takes.

Grant has shown again that he is a genuine game-breaker. James Tedesco is at his competitive best. Cleary and Cameron Munster are doing all the right things, while Josh Addo-Carr has scored some terrific tries after missing NSW Origin selection this season. None of the rookies have looked out of place; I wasn’t sure about Campbell Graham being picked in the squad but he’s done a great job when needed.

The Kangaroos will put 60 points on Lebanon. The Cedars will have no answers for Australia.

To be honest, I haven’t been that impressed with most of the performances I’ve seen across the World Cup, barring Australia and England; who could and should meet in the final. The hosts are arguably the form team of the tournament.

New Zealand have won games but haven’t set the world on fire. I was expecting so much more from Tonga; I just haven’t been wowed at all. Samoa were belted 60-6 by England in their first game and have since got their act together without being too convincing.

With genuine depth still a work in progress in international rugby league, we’re yet to have many games of substance. That’s just calling is as it is.

Tonga v Samoa, with that fierce Pacific Island rivalry, looks the pick of the quarters. England and New Zealand will account for PNG and Fiji respectively, before the Kiwis play the Kangaroos in the semis.

Certain players have shown their class. Joey Manu has been exceptional for New Zealand, playing fullback. I reckon Edwin Ipape, the PNG hooker, is a big chance to get signed in the NRL; I’d certainly be looking at him. He’s only 23 and playing with Leigh Leopards (formerly Centurions) in the Super League.

Mitch Moses has had a huge say in Lebanon making it this far. And England have had plenty of strong performers; young five-eighth Jack Welsby has been terrific.

*****

There’s a treat awaiting the teams that make the World Cup final.

Old Trafford, Manchester United’s iconic home ground.

I was fortunate enough to play there when the Kangaroos won the 2013 World Cup decider. It just somewhere you want to play, given the rich history.

Fingers crossed that it’s Australia and England who get through. The atmosphere of a packed house, with 74,000 fans at the Theatre of Dreams, would be unbelievable with the home side playing.

The signs look good for Australia, on and off the field.

Judging by the social media of the players, they’ve got little groups that they’re spending time with away from training and games, adding to the bonding experience. Speaking to some of the boys, they’re enjoying each other’s company and having a good time, with the Emus (the non-first-choice players) upholding the title with pride; which usually means trying most of the bars in town!

It all becomes a bit of a blur when you’re on tour for an extended period, yet it’s one of the great experiences of your life. Even better if you cap it off by winning the World Cup.