Australia will attempt to gain revenge on New Zealand next month when they kick off their Pacific Championships campaign.
The Kangaroos were hammered 30-0 by the Kiwis in the inaugural decider of the tournament last year, with coach Mal Meninga admitting a sense of loyalty in his selections no longer existed due to the crushing defeat.
A number of stars are already in doubt for the end-of-season campaign with Payne Haas sidelined by a foot issue and Meninga revealing that Cameron Munster could join him on the operating table.
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Dogs star Matt Burton floated for shock Australia Kangaroos selection
The Melbourne playmaker has experienced a troubled season due a persistent groin injury and may be booked in for surgery whenever his club side’s season comes to an end.
His absence would open the door for another five-eighth to get a shot at the Australian No.6 Test jersey, with Meninga revealing two of the front runners for the position.
"Munster could be gone with an operation so the five-eighth has become pretty critical," Meninga said while appearing on SEN’s The Throwdown.
"You’ve got Tom Dearden with the Cowboys and Matt Burton with the Bulldogs."
Burton has put together an impressive campaign for Cameron Ciraldo’s side as they have booked their first finals appearance since 2016.
He currently sits on nine tries and 12 assists from his 22 appearances to date, which is slightly better than Dearden’s output of eight four-pointers and 10 assists in the same number of games.
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"Tommy played State of Origin this year and he was one of their exceptional players and he’s just so consistent," Meninga continued.
"But then Matt as well, he’s a really important cog in the Bulldogs’ armour."
The Dogs and Cowboys face do-or-die clashes this weekend with the former hosting Manly and the latter hosting Newcastle in elimination finals.
Meninga noted how progression into the finals was always looked upon favourably by selectors but added how fitness and availability would also form a huge part of the equation for this year’s end-of-season tournament.
"I feel that getting through the finals with a bit of form - match fitness is really important but more so is your injury status," the coach said.
"I think picking fit players with match fitness is really crucial for your national program to get the best results but to also ensure you’ve got a team that can participate for the whole two or three games."
