The Australian Kangaroos have officially kicked off their preparation for the upcoming international campaign, and already, all the talk is centred around one of rugby leagueโs most fiercely contested positions โ the halves. As Nathan Cleary and Tom Dearden arrived at camp on Tuesday, the spotlight immediately turned toward the selection headache facing head coach Mal Meninga. With both players in career-best form, the decision on who wears the iconic No.7 jersey for the Kangaroos has become the biggest storyline heading into the Tests.
Nathan Cleary, the Penrith Panthersโ superstar and three-time premiership-winning halfback, is widely regarded as one of the gameโs most complete playmakers. His calmness under pressure, elite kicking game, and ability to control tempo have made him the natural choice for the Kangaroos in recent years. Yet, after missing parts of the NRL season due to injury and watching others rise in his absence, the question now lingers โ is Cleary still the automatic pick for Australiaโs most coveted playmaking role?
Enter Tom Dearden, the North Queensland Cowboysโ energetic and fearless No.7. The 23-year-old has quietly developed into one of the NRLโs most reliable halves, combining toughness in defence with an ever-improving attacking game. His leadership during Queenslandโs State of Origin campaigns has not gone unnoticed, and his recent form for the Cowboys has been nothing short of outstanding. Deardenโs ability to run the ball aggressively, take on the line, and inspire his teammates has earned him plenty of admirers โ including a growing number of pundits who believe he deserves a shot in green and gold.
When both players arrived at the Kangaroosโ training base, the atmosphere was respectful yet undeniably competitive. Reporters wasted no time asking about the โselection headacheโ and the ongoing speculation that one of them might have a โlockโ on the No.7 jersey. Cleary, ever composed, responded in trademark fashion โ focusing on team unity rather than personal accolades. โItโs an honour just to be here,โ he said. โEveryone in this squad is elite, and my focus is on contributing wherever Mal needs me.โ
Dearden echoed a similar sentiment, showing maturity beyond his years. โItโs a dream to even be in this environment,โ he said. โIf I get the chance, Iโll give it everything โ but whoever gets picked, weโre all here to make sure Australia wins.โ
Behind the scenes, however, the decision wonโt be easy for Meninga. Cleary offers structure, precision, and proven big-game composure, while Dearden brings spark, aggression, and youthful energy. The combination of these two talents โ whether paired together or competing for the same role โ highlights the depth and strength of Australian rugby league at the moment.
As training ramps up, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see who takes charge in key sessions and leadership drills. For now, Cleary remains the favourite โ the man โtipped to have a lockโ on the No.7 โ but Deardenโs hunger and form make this one of the most intriguing selection battles in recent Kangaroos history.
One thing is certain: with either Cleary or Dearden steering the team, Australiaโs future in the halves looks brighter than ever.
