Cooper Cronk has declared Panthers star Nathan Cleary will win the battle to become the Kangaroos halfback for the World Cup knockout stages.
Cleary and Sea Eagles veteran Daly Cherry-Evans have been fighting it out in Australia’s opening two games and both will play against Italy in their final group game on Sunday.
Mal Meninga named his side in alphabetical order but Cronk - Australia’s halfback at the last World Cup - believes the Kangaroos coach has shown his hand.