Cameron Munster during his grand final shocker. Photo / Photosport
Cameron Munster during his grand final shocker. Photo / Photosport
NRL grand final star Luke Keary has won a Kangaroos call-up to face the Kiwis in Auckland on Saturday night after controversial Cameron Munster's mystery withdrawal.
While Keary led the Sydney Roosters to a comprehensive victory in the NRL showpiece, frustrated Melbourne Storm playmaker Munster disgraced himself by kicking proneKiwi Joseph Manu in the head late in the game.
He somehow escaped a ban and was instead fined, but has now withdrawn from the Australian side for personal reasons.
Disappointed Australian coach Mal Meninga said there were "far more important things in life than football sometimes" but there is no explanation beyond that for Munster's withdrawal.
The 26-year-old Keary, who will be making his international debut, will bring strong organisation into the Kangaroos for their matches against New Zealand and Tonga.
Munster, who had an awful grand final, is a more dangerous runner with an off-the-cuff game.
Luke Keary...flies into the Kangaroos side to play the Kiwis. Photo / Getty Images
He has been earmarked as a future mainstay of the Australian and Queensland sides but has been dogged by problems.
Munster was sinbinned by Queensland once after breaking a team curfew and sent home from the 2017 World Cup after a bust-up with Kangaroos teammate Ben Hunt.
Munster's withdrawl has made for a troubled build-up as the Kangaroos look to replace the retired greats Cronk and Johnathan Thurston.
New captain Greg Inglis was cut following a drink-driving charge, while potential playmakers Michael Morgan and James Maloney were unavailable due to injury.
Meanwhile star Rabbitohs hooker Damien Cook has postponed his wedding in order to play against the Kiwis and Tonga.
Cook, who takes over form retired legend Cameron Smith, left the final decision up to fiancee Courtney Blaine.
"The wedding was a hard one to move. We weren't sure if I was going to make (the Australian side) or even if there was going to be a second game (against Tonga) at one stage," Cook told NRL.com.
"I let her make the decision ... she wanted to move it so we have moved it a couple of weeks later which allows me to enjoy my time here."
While Smith's tactical control is irreplaceable, Cook's brilliant running will present all sorts of problems for the Kiwis at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday night.
