Daly Cherry-Evans to push Cooper Cronk for halfback spot in Kangaroos World Cup squad COOPER Cronks Dally M Medal is no guarantee hell keep Daly Cherry-Evans out of the Australian starting team at the World Cup. That was the frank assessment from Test coach Tim Sheens on Monday when he named his 24-man Kangaroo squad that included three debutants and only three players from the Grand Final teams. It is the lowest Grand Final representation since 2005 when only two players were selected. Cherry-Evans is Manly's only representative while Michael Jennings and Boyd Cordner won selection from the Roosters. The Roosters halves pairing of Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney were overlooked along with hooker Jake Friend. All were considered outside chances of pushing their way into the squad but Sheens justified the low representation by pointing out that a high number of players from both the Roosters and Manly will be at the World Cup representing rival nations. On top of that Anthony Watmough and Glenn and Brett Stewart were all ruled out of contention because of injury concerns. Cordner completed his fairytale comeback from a busted ankle by being named as one of the three debutants along with Canberra's Josh Papalii and Cronulla's Andrew Fifita. But it was Sheens" thoughts on the potential Cherry-Evans/Cronk halfback showdown that created particular interest on Monday when the Kangaroos coach reflected the thoughts of many good judges who have declared Cherry-Evans is on the brink of challenging the Melbourne superstar for the Australian starting halfback spot. Asked if Cherry-Evans was a genuine chance to grab the number seven jumper on tour, Sheens said: "I think over a six week tournament Cherry-Evans will certainly throw down the gauntlet for sure. But knowing Cooper and knowing Johnathan they will be ready for the challenge. That is all good for Australia. Cronk finished just ahead of Cherry-Evans and Thurston who tied for second in Dally M Medal voting at last week's awards before the four Australian Test selectors voted Cherry-Evans as Clive Churchill Medal winner on Sunday night. Sheens added: "I don't want to come out and say someone is going to lose their spot. What I do want is form from the players within the group on each other to keep the standard high. There is no doubt the three of them are quality players. It is only fair to say Daly's performances are certainly going to keep Johnathan and Cooper on their toes but I'm not going to come out and make a veiled threat that Cooper might lose his spot. Cooper is the incumbent and he has worked hard (for his spot) as has Johnathan. Daly's job is to work hard to keep the pressure on from there. Sheens said Jake Friend had come in for consideration but selectors stuck with Robbie Farah's versatility and experience. The other players not considered because of injury were Justin Hodges and Kurt Gidley. Jennings, Brent Tate and Josh Morris are all in contention to take over from Hodges at right centre. Sheens also said Souths coach Michael Maguire had allayed any fears Greg Inglis would not be fit to take his part at the World Cup. "Michael Maguire has indicated to me that his (knee) injury has well and truly recovered," Sheens said. In six weeks we are still going to have to manage some of the players. It has been a long hard season for them. We are taking extra people in the medical staff to do that. But he said the opposition would be respected at all times. "For us it is about winning this World Cup first and foremost," he added. We don't hold the title and we are seeded number one so there is plenty of pressure on us but we've still got to win this title back so we can't afford to experiment to any great degree.