Luke Keary backs Sam Walker’s Kangaroos case on The Agenda Setters – Luke Keary says Sam Walker must enter the Kangaroos squad conversation if his stunning representative form continues.
Speaking on The Agenda Setters: Rugby League on Channel 7 and 7plus, Keary said Walker could force selectors to consider him if he wins the Wally Lewis Medal and then leads the Sydney Roosters deep into the finals.
“If Sam can win the Wally Lewis medal and go on to potentially take the Roosters to the grand final and win it, his name has to be, it has to be there in that Australian team and squad.”
The comments came as the panel discussed whether Walker’s form could challenge Nathan Cleary’s position in the Australian setup.
Walker forces his way into the Kangaroos conversation
Corey Parker said Walker had “lit it up” during the representative period. However, he also said the Kangaroos selectors may soon face a major call between loyalty and form.
Parker pointed to several players from last year’s Ashes squad and questioned whether their current form would still warrant selection.
He said Selwyn Cobbo had played well enough to move into the Australian wing conversation. He also questioned whether Kotoni Staggs would hold his place, while Gehamat Shibasaki’s recent form came under scrutiny.
Luke Keary then added that Shibasaki “would be lucky to be in the Bronco side” based on recent weeks.
David Riccio also noted that Angus Crichton is not currently playing. Parker then questioned whether Keaon Koloamatangi would stay in the frame, despite missing the New South Wales side.
Loyalty or form for Australia?
Parker said several players had strengthened their claims during the Origin series. He named Ethan Strange, Sam Walker, Jojo Fifita, Jack Bostock, Rob Toia, Mitch Barnett, Tom Flegler, Max Plath and Cameron Murray as players who could reshape the squad.
That led the panel into a wider debate about the backline.
Aaron Woods said he would still have Reece Walsh in the Australian squad. He also pointed to Walsh’s previous performances in the green and gold jersey.
Keary agreed Walsh had built trust with coach Kevin Walters during the Ashes series. Therefore, he said that history could still matter when Walters finalises his squad.
However, Walker’s rise has added a fresh selection headache.
If Walker claims the Wally Lewis Medal and helps drive the Roosters towards a grand final, Keary believes the Sam Walker Kangaroos squad debate will only grow louder.
The discussion aired on The Agenda Setters: Rugby League on Channel 7 and 7plus.
This story is based on comments made on The Agenda Setters: Rugby League on Channel 7 and 7plus Sport
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