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Murray ready for Tests if Kangaroos call

3 minute read

Cameron Murray hopes his name is read out in the senior Kangaroos Test squad when coach Mal Meninga leads a bumper day of national selections on Monday.

CAMERON MURRAY
CAMERON MURRAY  Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

South Sydney lock Cameron Murray has declared himself ready for Test football if selected by Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga on Monday.

Only 12 hours after the grand final, Meninga will lead one of the biggest days of squad selections in memory with five Australian sides to be named.

Meninga will unveil both his Nines and Test squads, Jillaroos coach Brad Donald will name his two teams while Neil Henry will also pick a Junior Kangaroos team.

Murray is eligible for both the junior and senior sides given the increase in age cut off to under-23s for the October 25 Test against New Zealand in Wollongong.

But it's on the senior stage where Murray feels he is ready for the clashes with New Zealand and Tonga, after starring for NSW on debut this year.

"I think I am (ready)," he told AAP.

"I have played at NRL level for enough time now to know what it takes. I had a little bit of a taste of rep footy in Origin.

"I guess I have experienced that stage and I would love to test myself on the international stage."

The 21-year-old was the Blues' best rookie in their series win and has been a revelation at South Sydney in the past two years.

He was named the NRL's Dally M lock of the year on Wednesday night and will likely be in the frame for the Australian squad.

"There's not much else left besides that Australian side," Murray said.

"There's not much you can do. You just sit back and hope for the best. If it happens I will be really happy. It's just a waiting game for me.

"I haven't had enough time to reflect on my season.

"But the success I have had this season, I have had some great people around me, some great people to learn off and some great teammates around me as well."

Meninga is expected to structure his squads so that players feature in two of either the PM's XIII game against Fiji on Friday, the Nines on October 18-19 or the Tests.

Canberra's Jack Wighton is the biggest chance of being a bolter from the grand final in the Test squad, with Meninga expected to pick an extended group of up to 21 players.

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