Mal Meninga's admission about Nathan Cleary amid World Cup debate

Mal Meninga has admitted he hasn't decided who his first-choice halfback is despite Nathan Cleary's stunning performance against Scotland at the Rugby League World Cup.

Cleary fell just two points short of Andrew Johns' record points haul for a debutant (30 points v South Africa in 1995), leading the way in the Kangaroos' 84-0 thrashing of the Scots on Friday.

The Panthers halfback gave the Kangaroos a look at their long-term future, laying on three tries, scoring one of his own and kicking 12 goals from 15 attempts.

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However Daly Cherry-Evans appears to be Meninga's preferred option at halfback and won selection in the Kangaroos' opening game against Fiji.

Meninga has previously stated that Cherry-Evans is the incumbent and was likely to see the bulk of minutes at halfback during the World Cup.

But speaking after Friday's game, the coach said he wasn't sure who his first-choice halfback would be in a big game.

"(Cleary) feels part of the team now, he's in the dressing room talking and joking and he had a great game," Meninga said.

"That's what we want from our key guys.

"It's hard to compare (Cherry-Evans' game against Fiji and Cleary's performance against Scotland). It was very different opposition and we're being really patient with that halfback decision."

Meninga said he couldn't find a fault in his team's performance against Scotland.

"We showed improvement from the Fiji game and we excelled, I was so happy with that performance in defence and attack, there is nothing to criticise them about," he said.

"Our ball control in those conditions, our kick game, our chase game, how hard we worked for each other, it was all great.

"We kept at it for 80 minutes. The attitude and mindset from everyone was really, really good.

"That's what happens when you've got such talented players. This is a new team and we are working really hard to create some history but it's early yet and we aren't getting too carried away."

Nathan Cleary plays down Daly Cherry-Evans rivalry

Australia have one final group game against Italy next week, where Cherry-Evans and Cleary are hoping to push their case to become the Kangaroos' chief playmaker for the finals.

While Meninga wouldn't be drawn into indicating where his loyalty lies, Cleary says he is more than happy to take a backseat.

"I don't really think about that (rivalry with Cherry-Evans)," he said.

"I'm just trying to enjoy the moment ... I think it's a bit of a media beat-up.

"Cherry and I get on well, if I get picked or not ... I'm happy either way."

Cleary left Meninga with a massive selection headache as he led Australia's ruthless 15-try demolition against the Scots on a rain-soaked night in Coventry.

"That's the values we have," Cleary said. "It's not about who we are playing or where we are.

"We want to play well and play hard for each other.

"I just want to put my best foot forward for the team and try and make the team better."

with agencies

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