Daly Cherry-Evans will be out to push his credentials for the coveted Australian half-back jersey at Suncorp Stadium this Sunday ahead of next month's World Cup.
The Manly and Queensland captain will line up for the PM XIII team against the PNG PM’s XIII team in Brisbane in what will be his first game since September 2.
Cherry-Evans will be keen to produce another big performance in front of Kangaroos Coach Mal Meninga as he battles Penrith's Nathan Cleary for the starting half-back position.
The incumbent Australian half-back, Cherry-Evans has played 15 Tests for his country and captained Queensland to a second Origin series victory this season.
Cherry-Evans had a fine season for Manly with 18 try assists and 11 line break assists. His kicking game again came to the fore, making 318 kicks for 9740 metres and producing three 40/20s.
It will be Cherry-Evans' second time as captain of the PM XIII team after leading the side to victory in Port Moresby in 2018.
Australian Men’s PM’s XIII Coach Mal Meninga said the match would be a vital selection guide ahead of the World Cup, which starts in October.
“We have a mix of youth and experience. We have players who have represented the Kangaroos before, along with others who I am looking forward to seeing for the first time at this level,'' Meninga said.
“This will be an important match for us in the lead-up to the World Cup.”
The Sea Eagles have a long list of players who have represented the PM XIII team in the annual fixture with players chosen from clubs not involved in the finals series. Jake Trbojevic heads the list, having represented the PM XIII on five occasions.
The match kicks off at 7.35pm on Sunday and will be shown live on Nine Gem, Kayo, and Fox League.
